The effects of self-generated and other-generated eWOM in inoculating against misinformation
Telematics and Informatics
; 71, 2022.
Article
in English
| Scopus | ID: covidwho-1873284
ABSTRACT
This study examines the effects of self-generated and other-generated electronic word-of-mouth communication (eWOM) in inoculating individuals against potential misinformation. A three-phase between-subject experiment (N = 543) was conducted to compare the persuasive effects of inoculation messages combined with different eWOM content (self-generated, other-generated, and inoculation only) over two health topics (Covid-19 vaccine and e-cigarette). The results show that exposure to inoculation messages did not significantly increase resistance to misinformation. But inoculation messages combined with other-generated eWOM helped the participants develop more negative attitudes toward alternative smoking immediately after exposure to the inoculation stimuli. The participants who wrote eWOM after exposure to inoculation messages were more resistant to the attack of misinformation in Phase 3. Self-generated and other-generated eWOM did not significantly differ in their persuasive effects in any phases. The findings extend the literature on the effects of WOM in the inoculation process and offer theoretical implications over inoculation theory in online contexts. The study provides empirical guidance on using inoculation messages to combat misinformation in social media. © 2022 Elsevier Ltd
Covid-19 vaccine; E-cigarettes; Inoculation theory; Misinformation; Other-generated eWOM; Self-generated eWOM; Tobacco; E-cigarette; Other-generated electronic word-of-mouth communication; Self-generated electronic word-of-mouth communication; Three phase; Three phasis; Word-of-mouth communication; Vaccines
Full text:
Available
Collection:
Databases of international organizations
Database:
Scopus
Type of study:
Experimental Studies
Language:
English
Journal:
Telematics and Informatics
Year:
2022
Document Type:
Article
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