User-Generated Opinion: How Reader Reactions and Source Reputation Influence the Effects of Online News

• In Event: User-Generated Content Effects

Abstract

On contemporary online news sites, readers are simultaneously exposed to journalistic articles and social reactions toward these messages. Two online experiments (N = 252) addressed whether negative user reactions (competent comments vs. incompetent comments vs. statistical rating) can attenuate the persuasive influence of the main article, and whether these effects depend on the reputation of the original source (high vs. low). Results showed a selective consideration of user-generated content: Readers took into account competent comments and aggregate ratings of a credible website but did not follow others' opinions if the comments merely contained subjective evaluations. On less reputable websites, user reactions were less influential regarding readers' attitudes. This interaction between source reputation and user-generated reactions demonstrates the interplay of multiple sources on participatory websites. Theoretical and practical implications for online journalism and the quality of online deliberation are discussed.

Authors

• Stephan Winter, U Duisburg-Essen

• Nicole C. Kramer, U of Duisburg - Essen

• Yuhua (Jake) Liang, Chapman University