Balance of Hedonic and Utilitarian Values in Information Systems Use

This paper investigates the balance of hedonic and utilitarian values in information systems (IS). More specifically, we are interested in the continuum of such values in IS use. The paper reviews a set of literature to investigate the differences of hedonic and utilitarian IS and the role of hedonism in them. Furthermore, we define hedonic and utilitarian values in this context. We propose that the balance between hedonic and utilitarian values varies depending on the nature of the IS, and we present a conceptual model of hedonic and utilitarian values in IS use. The article provides an argument that the nature of the IS influences the balance of hedonic and utilitarian values that the IS provides. Finally, we propose that the nature of the IS is not central in explaining IS use but instead should be considered as a mediator.