There are several external variables that influence an individual’s perceived ease of use or perceived usefulness of a new technology in my opinion.
Hype and Reputation: If everyone’s using a new technology, people might think it would be nice for them to try one, even if it’s not that great for their needs. However, if a tech has bad reviews, people might avoid it even if it’s been improved. It is similar to the case of judging a restaurant based on online reviews before even trying it.
Personal experiences: User’s past experiences with similar technologies can affect their perceptions of ease of use and usefulness. For example, if people had bad experiences with similar technologies in the past, they might be more hesitant to try something new, even if it’s different.
Accessibility and Design: If a technology isn’t designed to support every type of user it can be frustrating and difficult to use for people that not proficient in IT or those who have disabilities, which can impact perceived ease of use and usefulness.
Cost: The cost associated with using the technology can influence perceptions. As high cost may cause people to hesitate to utilize it, fearing wasted money. On the other hand, if a technology is affordable, people are more likely to invest time in understanding it on what it offers.