an article by Noora Hirvonen, Alisa Tirroniemi and Terttu Kortelainen (University of Oulu, Finland) published in Journal of Documentation Volume 75 Issue 1 (2019)
Abstract
Purpose
The purpose of this paper is to examine the role of one particular online discussion forum as a potentially authoritative health information source for its users. The concept of cognitive authority is used as a starting point for understanding information evaluation in this context. The focus is placed on the types of information users seek for from this forum, the ways they assess the credibility of information obtained, and their views on the impact of this information.
Design/methodology/approach
The empirical data were collected with a questionnaire survey from the users of a Finnish online forum for girls and young women (n=290). The data were analyzed qualitatively with content analytic techniques and quantitatively by using descriptive analysis.
Findings
The forum was found to offer girls and young women the possibility to receive health information from peers. It was viewed as an appropriate source for experiential rather than factual health information and used to find information on sexuality, bodily functions and diets, for example. Author-related cues, argumentation and tone, veracity and verification were recognized as means to evaluate information credibility. Credibility evaluation was found to be linked with conceptions of the forum and the type of information sought. A share of the respondents recognized the information obtained to have influence on their thinking or behavior.
Originality/value
Based on the findings, it can be argued that the members of the online forum – individually or collectively – can act as cognitive authorities for other users. The findings cannot be generalized beyond this online forum, to Finnish girls or young women, or even the users of the online forum. However, they provide insights into the ways young people evaluate user-generated information in a particular online setting and domain of knowledge and as such contribute to research on cognitive authority, credibility evaluation and information literacy.
Showing posts with label online_communication. Show all posts
Showing posts with label online_communication. Show all posts
Tuesday, 15 January 2019
Wednesday, 19 April 2017
Being old in an always-on culture: Older people’s perceptions and experiences of online communication
an article by Marika Lüders (University of Oslo, Norway) and Edith Roth Gjevjon (Diakonova University College, Oslo, Norway and University of Oslo, Norway) published in The Information Society: An International Journal Volume 33 Issue 2 (2017)
Abstract
Research on the digital divide has moved beyond connectivity to skills and usage disparities. Yet for many older people lack of connectivity remains a challenge, and for those who do have access, skills and usage remain an issue.
We report findings of an in-depth qualitative study of older people's perceptions of online communications and also their actual experiences.
Findings indicate that older people who are already socially well connected benefit from online communication more than those who are not.
Abstract
Research on the digital divide has moved beyond connectivity to skills and usage disparities. Yet for many older people lack of connectivity remains a challenge, and for those who do have access, skills and usage remain an issue.
We report findings of an in-depth qualitative study of older people's perceptions of online communications and also their actual experiences.
Findings indicate that older people who are already socially well connected benefit from online communication more than those who are not.
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