The Impact of “Social Networking +” Technology on the Social Inclusion of People With Mobility Impairments in China

Abstract

This study examined whether “social networking +” technology can facilitate the social inclusion of people with mobility impairments. Based on the modality, agency, interactivity, and navigability (MAIN) model of uses and gratifications theory, we conducted a survey on WeChat use among people with mobility impairments in China. We identified 16 gratification factors and tested their associations with social participation, service access, and societal relationships. The linear regression results indicated that instrumental gratifications can more significantly enhance the social participation and service access of people with mobility impairments, whereas non-instrumental gratifications have a greater impact on their social relationships. An analysis of social background and media use revealed that social networking has a greater impact on the social inclusion of people with mobility impairments from superior social backgrounds, especially in the social participation domain.