Placing the Internet in information source horizons. A study of information seeking by Internet users in the context of self-development

2004 ◽  
Vol 26 (4) ◽  
pp. 415-433 ◽  
Author(s):  
Reijo Savolainen ◽  
Jarkko Kari

A study of online search, especially search performance, is vital because people heavily rely on the Internet nowadays. The purposes of this study are thus to examine the gratification needs affecting Internet users’ intention to search information online, to explore the antecedents of online search performance, and to investigate online information-seeking behavior according to each search purpose. A survey of Internet users in Thailand is carried out. Data are collected extensively both from students and workers. Four hundred fifty-three questionnaires are collected online. Individuals use the Internet to search for information differently, for academic/ working achievement, problem-solving, and personal information needs. The main gratifications are information seeking and Internet ambiance. Internet search intention is a strong determinant of a user’s online search performance and corresponding behavior. The theoretical implication is that researchers could apply the research framework to other contexts such as the specific information search. Information source providers could use the findings to modify online resources and their presentations for users effectively. Teachers/ managers could guide their students/ workers to search effectively. This study combines the U&G and the TPB theories. The novel aspects of gratifications i.e., anti-traditional media sentiment and Internet ambiance are also explored.


2018 ◽  
Author(s):  
Andrzej Potemkowski ◽  
Waldemar Brola ◽  
Anna Ratajczak ◽  
Marcin Ratajczak ◽  
Jacek Zaborski ◽  
...  

BACKGROUND The internet is a source of knowledge and medium widely used in services that facilitate access to information and networking. Multiple sclerosis (MS) patients find the possibility of acquiring information relating to their condition particularly rewarding. OBJECTIVE We aimed to identify Polish MS patients’ preferences by analyzing a percentage of internet users and determining the most common search subjects and patients’ approach to information on the internet. Disability connected with the condition, its duration, and other factors that influence patients’ internet use were examined along with instances of relations established through the internet and their durability. METHODS The study examined 1045 patients (731 women, 314 men) treated in 10 Polish MS centers, of whom 932 (89.19%) declared to be internet users. Their average age was 40.65 (SD 11.06) and average MS duration was 9.08 (SD 6.97) years. The study used a proprietary survey on information seeking, the range of searched subjects, and internet usage frequency. RESULTS The majority of the patients (494/932, 53.0%) used the internet 6-7 times per week and 4.3% (40/932) declared they spent minimum 2 hours per day. The most commonly searched subjects were world news (604/932, 72.9% of patients using the internet); 60.8% (504/932) searched for information on their condition, particularly for new treatment methods (562/932, 67.8%) and the course of illness (520/932, 62.7%). One’s sex had no impact on internet usage (female vs male, odds ratio [OR] 1.13, 95% CI 0.72-1.77), although a patient’s age might, at varying degrees. We found several significant associations using a .05 significance level: a patient with higher education used the internet 9 times more often than one with primary education (OR 8.64, 95% CI 3.31-22.57); lasting relationships increased chances of internet usage by 10-fold compared to widowers (OR 0.12, 95% CI 0.05-0.31); living in a city with a population over 100,000 increased chances by nearly 6 times compared with the countryside (OR 5.59, 95% CI 2.72-11.48); the relapsing-remitting MS type saw a 2-fold increase compared with the primary progressive MS type (OR 0.47, 95% CI 0.29-0.75); and those needing assistance were 2 times less likely to use the internet than patients who could move independently (OR 0.53, 95% CI 0.31-0.89). More than half of the patients (489/932, 52.5%) did not discuss the information found on the internet with their neurologists; 15.9% (148/932) believed that relationships established through the internet can be stable. CONCLUSIONS The majority of Polish patients use the internet as a crucial information source on their condition and innovative treatment methods. The internet can be helpful in establishing new relationships, which are usually short-lived. Polish patients do not frequently discuss the information gathered on the internet with their doctors.


2019 ◽  
Vol 8 (1) ◽  
pp. 562
Author(s):  
Yuni Rahmah ◽  
Elva Rahmah

AbstractIn this paper the language about Millennial Generation Information Search Behavior To Meet Information Needs. This study aims to describe the information seeking behavior of the millennial generation to meet the information needs of this study at the Padang State University. Data were collected through observation and distribution of questionnaires with students of the Indonesian and Regional Languages and Literature Department at Padang State University. Analyzing the data, concluded the following matters. (1). Starting - consists of activities that initiate information seeking activities. In general (100%) determine the topic especially before conducting an information search, in general (90%) conduct information search after discussion or consultation with lecturers, in general (95.23%) know the information needs when attending lectures, (88.4 %) know the information needs specifically, and in general (88%) do information when they are aware of and know the need for information. (2). Chaining - activities following a series of citations, citations or forms of reconciliation between documents with each other. In general (92.8 uses a bibliography to search information, generally (90.4%) use the author's name from the core reference to look for other references in conducting information searches, and in general (92.9%) use subjects from core reference to look for other references (3) Browsing - merawak, looking for, but rather directed, in areas that are considered to have the potential for the information needed.In general (73%) libraries can always meet information needs, in general In general (95.2%) look for information on the internet if the information you are looking for is not found in the printed source of information, (92.8%) generally directly looking for information on the internet if the information you need is not found in the printed source of information, at generally (45.22%) query identification (keywords). (4). Differentiating - sorting, using the features in the information source as a basic reference for checking quality or information content. in general (88%) the internet is the main source of information, in general (92.84%) The source of information printed is still very much needed in fulfilling information needs. (5). Monitoring - monitoring progress by focusing on selected sources. In general (88.09%) looked for the latest information through the internet by searching for the latest articles, in general (78.56%) needed to find the latest information to enrich the reference sources. (6). Extracting - systematically digging in one source to retrieve information that is considered important. In general (90.47 when you need information you often search the search engine (google, yahoo), in general (88.09 often uses a journal database to get information, in general (78.56%) after getting information on the internet , you directly copy the information, in general (76.19%) use the "Google" search engine because it is more relevant than other search engines.Keywords: behavior, millennial generation and information.


2012 ◽  
Vol 8 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Ve Leslie E. Atanoza ◽  
Johannes M. Camasura

The study investigates the strategies employed by the students of Cebu Technological University in searching information using digitized resources. It identifies students' information needs using the main campus’ library and describes the information seeking approaches students employ using the Internet, Online databases and Optical media. The study employs simple purposive sampling. It uses descriptive method of survey and document analysis. A focus group discussion was also conducted and computer log monitoring analysis. The study revealed that students’ information needs are varied and course related. Students’ purposes in searching information in digitize sources are to get an overview of their research topic; answering class assignments and gathering related literature. Students supply their own keywords rather than the keywords provided in the index of online databases was generally the first approach used in searching information in digitized sources. Boolean operators and truncations as search techniques were the least used approach. Search engines of Google, Yahoo, and You Tube were the top three preferences of students when using the Internet as a Digitized Information Source. Dealing with too many results to choose from and inadequate instructions on how to proceed with the search usually contribute to the delay in finding the needed information.   Keywords - digitized resources, information seeking strategies


2019 ◽  
Author(s):  
Annabel Farnood ◽  
Bridget Johnston ◽  
Frances S Mair

Abstract Background: As technology continues to advance, the internet is becoming increasingly popular. Self-diagnosis and health information seeking online is growing more common and it will be important to understand the influence this may have on the patient-healthcare professional relationship. Methods: A mixed-method systematic review of quantitative, qualitative and mixed method studies concerning the public and healthcare professionals’ perceptions of online self-diagnosis and health information seeking and how this can impact the patient-healthcare professional relationship. We searched MEDLINE, EMBASE, CINAHL, ACM & SCOPUS between 2007 and 2018. Relevant data were extracted, and a thematic analysis was conducted and conceptualised using the Normalisation Process Theory framework. Results: Of 6107 records identified, 25 articles met the review eligibility criteria which included 16 qualitative, 8 quantitative and 1 mixed method study. The findings indicated that patients found the internet as a complementary information source alongside healthcare professionals. Health care professionals were perceived to be the most reliable and valued information source. People feel responsible for their own health and find the internet to be a source that provides information rapidly with accessibility at their convenience. Most healthcare professionals agreed on the importance of collaboration with patients and the need to develop a partnership and shared decision-making process but struggled to find time in the consultation to do so efficiently. Some healthcare professionals felt that the internet was advantageous for patients looking after their own health, while others felt it was due to a lack of trust in their expertise. Patients tended to present information to the healthcare professional to support the therapeutic relationship rather than to challenge it and to become more involved in the decision-making process of their healthcare. Conclusion: The results of this review suggests that patients value healthcare professionals as a source of medical advice more than the internet. While health professionals views were mixed our findings indicate that online health information seeking can potentially improve the patient-healthcare professional relationship as patients reported they usually conducted an online search to form a partnership with the healthcare professional as opposed to trying to prove them wrong. Systematic review registration: CRD42018084230


Seeking knowledge is among the most important virtuein Islam. The Internet era offers more sources and new ways in gaining and producing information including religious information. However, the perception that the religious information behaviour among the Malays is not yet being studied empirically. A framework has been developed based on theories, previous related studies and interviews with Internet users. Three main aspects of behaviour being studied: usage, information seeking and verification. Data is collected using printed and electronic questionnaires. There are 616 usable data successfully gathered and analyzed through SPSS. Related to usage, the result shows that the Malays have adapted well with the Internet medium for searching the religious information. The results also show that there are changes on the technical aspect of information acquisition and delivery via the new media. However from the procedural aspect, the information behaviour among Malays are still traditional in nature based on their seeking information methods. The results suggest that the religious offline behaviour continues online, demonstrating their conservative nature. Analyzing the beahviour against the users’ background suggests that there is a statically relationship between them. A high percentage of users claimed that the verify online religious information, even though they differ on this in practice. This paper ends with recommendations to improve the information behaviour among the masses


Author(s):  
Annabel Farnood ◽  
Bridget Johnston ◽  
Frances S. Mair

Abstract Background As technology continues to advance, the internet is becoming increasingly popular. Self-diagnosis and health information seeking online is growing more common and it will be important to understand the influence this may have on the patient-healthcare professional relationship. Methods A mixed-method systematic review of quantitative, qualitative and mixed method studies concerning the public and healthcare professionals’ perceptions of online self-diagnosis and health information seeking and how this can impact the patient-healthcare professional relationship. We searched MEDLINE, EMBASE, CINAHL, ACM & SCOPUS between 2007 and 2018. Relevant data were extracted, and a thematic analysis was conducted and conceptualised using the Normalisation Process Theory framework. Results Of 6107 records identified, 25 articles met the review eligibility criteria which included 16 qualitative, 8 quantitative and 1 mixed method study. The findings indicated that patients found the internet as a complementary information source alongside healthcare professionals. Health care professionals were perceived to be the most reliable and valued information source. People feel responsible for their own health and find the internet to be a source that provides information rapidly with accessibility at their convenience. Most healthcare professionals agreed on the importance of collaboration with patients and the need to develop a partnership and shared decision-making process but struggled to find time in the consultation to do so efficiently. Some healthcare professionals felt that the internet was advantageous for patients looking after their own health, while others felt it was due to a lack of trust in their expertise. Patients tended to present information to the healthcare professional to support the therapeutic relationship rather than to challenge it and to become more involved in the decision-making process of their healthcare. Conclusion The results of this review suggests that patients value healthcare professionals as a source of medical advice more than the internet. While health professionals’ views were mixed our findings indicate that online health information seeking can potentially improve the patient-healthcare professional relationship as patients reported they usually conducted an online search to form a partnership with the healthcare professional as opposed to trying to prove them wrong.


2012 ◽  
Vol 2012 ◽  
pp. 1-8 ◽  
Author(s):  
Abbey M. Jones ◽  
Saad B. Omer ◽  
Robert A. Bednarczyk ◽  
Neal A. Halsey ◽  
Lawrence H. Moulton ◽  
...  

In recent years, use of the Internet to obtain vaccine information has increased. Historical data are necessary to evaluate current vaccine information seeking trends in context. Between 2002 and 2003, surveys were mailed to 1,630 parents of fully vaccinated children and 815 parents of children with at least one vaccine exemption; 56.1% responded. Respondents were asked about their vaccine information sources, perceptions of these sources accuracy, and their beliefs about vaccination. Parents who did not view their child’s healthcare provider as a reliable vaccine information source were more likely to obtain vaccine information using the Internet. Parents who were younger, more highly educated, and opposed to school immunization requirements were more likely than their counterparts to use the Internet for vaccine information. Compared to parents who did not use the Internet for vaccine information, those who sought vaccine information on the Internet were more likely to have lower perceptions of vaccine safety (adjusted odds ratio (aOR), 1.66; 95% CI, 1.18–2.35), vaccine effectiveness (aOR, 1.83; 95% CI, 1.32–2.53), and disease susceptibility (aOR, 2.08; 95% CI, 1.49–2.90) and were more likely to have a child with a nonmedical exemption (aOR 3.53, 95% CI, 2.61–4.76). These findings provide context to interpret recent vaccine information seeking research.


2013 ◽  
Vol 37 (115) ◽  
pp. 58-79 ◽  
Author(s):  
Vivienne Waller

Qualitative research into the everyday information-seeking practices of eight diverse households in the city of Melbourne, Australia permitted insights into the variability in dynamics around information practices. The current study combines an information practice approach to information-seeking with finer detail on use of the Internet. Rather than treat the Internet as a monolithic entity, this study looks separately at the use of more recent Internet technologies such as social media and Wikipedia. The study examines the type of information that people seek, the ways in which they stay informed and their engagement with a range of information resources. In particular, the study illustrates the enormous disparity in the level of information resources available to participants. It also illustrates the extent to which use of the search engine, Google, has become naturalised within the everyday information practices of some Internet users in Australia. This study indicates that public libraries still have particular importance for more disadvantaged members of the population.


Author(s):  
Holly Gunn ◽  
Gary Hepburn

This paper reports the findings of a study undertaken in four Nova Scotia public schools of twelfth grade students' information seeking strategies when they use the Internet as an information source. Various Nova Scotia Department of Education curriculum documents hold high expectations of students' information seeking strategies when using the Internet for educational purposes. This study looks at whether these expectations are being realized. The results include the students' use of specific information seeking strategies, knowledge of World Wide Web Search engines, as well as how students acquired their Internet information seeking knowledge, and students' perceptions of their ability to locate information on the Internet. The results of the study have important implications for Internet education and the role of information professionals in public schools.


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