Keywords

Weibo’s Feature, feedback function, interference information, information comprehension, cognition load

Abstract

Social media, such as Microblogs, have become an important source for people to obtain information. However, we know little about how this would influence our comprehension over online information. Based on the cognitive load theory, this research explores whether and how two important features of Weibo, which are the feedback function and information fragmentation, would increase cognitive load and may in turn hinder users’ information comprehension in Weibo. A 2 (feedback or non-feedback) × 2 (strong-interference or weak-interference information) between-participants experimental design was conducted. Our results revealed that the Weibo feedback function and interference information exerted a negative impact over information comprehension via inducing increased cognitive load. Specifically, these results deepened our understanding regarding the impact of Weibo features on online information comprehension and suggest the mechanism by which this occurs. This finding has implications for how to minimize the potential cost of using Weibo and maximize the adaptive development of social media.

Original Publication Citation

Xu, Y., Xie, J.-Q., Wang, F.-X., Monk, R. L., Gaskin, J., & Wang, J.-L. (2022). The Impact of Weibo Features on User’s Information Comprehension: The Mediating Role of Cognitive Load. Social Science Computer Review, 0(0), p. 1-19. https://doi.org/10.1177/08944393221128941

Document Type

Peer-Reviewed Article

Publication Date

2023

Publisher

Social Science Computer Review

Language

English

College

Marriott School of Business

Department

Information Systems Management

University Standing at Time of Publication

Full Professor

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