Computer interest: a case for expressive traits

The hypothesis that expressive traits contribute to computer interest was examined in a sample of 241 university students. Computer interest was conceptualised as a positive index of well-being in the context of interaction with computer-based technology. Scores on expressiveness and the Instrumentality × Expressiveness interaction term made significant contributions to variance in scores on computer interest, after the effects of age, sex and computer experience were removed. A causal path model with age and sex incorporated in the residual posited direct exogenous effects by instrumentality, expressiveness and their interaction on computer interest; which, in turn, influenced computer experience. The findings suggest a substantially more potent role for expressive traits than for instrumental traits in the development of computer interest. Furthermore, the findings support the emergent properties model and endorse the proposal that expressive traits are useful as predictors of positive indices of well-being. Suggestions regarding directions for future research on attitudes towards computer-based technology and on the contribution of expressive and instrumental traits to well-being are made.