Increasing Knowledge of Diabetes Through Source Expertise and Perceived Credibility

• In Event: Health Information Seeking

Abstract

For many, the internet has become a primary source for health information and advice. However, online health information comes from a vast array of sources, which means internet users must decide for themselves which information they deem to be credible and trustworthy. In this study, we tested the influence of manipulated source expertise on the perceived credibility of online health messages, specifically, an online health message containing information about type 2 diabetes. Results from this study suggest that online health messages with high source expertise are perceived as being more credible, and in turn, lead to individuals retaining more of the health information from the messages. These findings indicate that the language used in a message, along with the affiliation of the message source, may play an important role in promoting knowledge gain from health information found on the internet.

Authors

• Keith Richards, East Carolina University

• Rory McGloin, U of Connecticut

• Kimberly Embacher, U of Connecticut