Abstract

This study uses the Uses and Gratifications Theory (U&G) approach, through a quota sampling of students from schools in Ecuador (n = 355), Spain (n = 263) and Colombia (n = 241). The analysis identifies the outstanding gratifications in the use of smartphones to access the Internet, through four study variables: Achievement (ACH), Social Interaction (SI), Self-Presentation (SP) and Entertainment (EN). A CFA and EFA are presented, as well as a multi-group analysis to demonstrate the significant statistical differences that are linked to the cultural context and characteristics of each country. The increasing integration of technology in society, the omnipresent connectivity and access to the network from any device, stimulate the scientific community to determine the motivations of users to improve the multiple aspects that surround it. © 2013 IEEE.