A study examined the variables that influence the use of electronic mail. The Uses and Gratifications perspective was employed to determine the antecedent factors that motivate individuals to engage in electronic mail communication. Subjects, 105 students enrolled in graduate-level courses at a small midwestern university and 252 individuals who worked in public and private organizations that had electronic mail systems, completed a self-report questionnaire. Results indicated that privacy was a major factor that influenced electronic mail use, that interpersonal communication factors influenced motivation to use electronic mail, and that individuals used electronic mail for a variety of purposes. Findings suggest that, since computers are increasingly being used for communication, failure to prepare students will result in a workforce that is ill-equipped for a technologically advanced work environment. (Contains 32 references and 4 tables of data.) (RS)