Why do online consumers experience information overload? An extension of communication theory

2016 ◽  
Vol 43 (6) ◽  
pp. 835-851 ◽  
Author(s):  
Chia-Ying Li

People surfing the Internet are faced with an onslaught of messages from multiple sources, which can overwhelm receivers. In contrast to previous studies, which have used ‘choice overload’ to represent the amount of information provided to consumers, this study used ‘information overload’ theory to represent the abundance of information received by consumers in online shopping environments. Borrowing from the concepts of the communication model, this study investigated the antecedents of perceived information overload, including information characteristics (message), the information source, the system interface (channel) and recipients’ motivation (receiver). A total of 15 adults with more than 3 years of online shopping experience participated in a focus group discussion. By integrating focus group results and the results of previous studies into a theoretical framework, this study developed and empirically tested a structural equation model of online information overload among 456 PChome customers. The results indicated that the complexity and ambiguity of information characteristics, number of brand alternatives offered by the information source and system interface all positively affect consumers’ perceived information overload. Furthermore, information recipients’ motivation not only negatively affected consumers’ perceived information overload but also moderated the relationship between the number of brand alternatives and consumers’ perceived information overload.

2021 ◽  
Vol ahead-of-print (ahead-of-print) ◽  
Author(s):  
Pedro Espírito Santo ◽  
Alzira Maria Ascensão Marques

PurposeThe Internet has changed the nature of purchasing, proof of this being the proliferation of e-commerce sites which have seen their activity grow more quickly due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Therefore, the authors aim to investigate the impact of the consumer's hedonic motivations, price, access to information and trust on the online purchase intention.Design/methodology/approachA quantitative, transversal study of a conclusive nature was carried out. Based on information gathered through a questionnaire administered to a sample of 750 online purchasers, a structural equation model was estimated.FindingsThe results showed that the intention to continue purchasing in online shops is partly explained by access to information online, hedonic motivations and trust in e-commerce sites. It stands out that online information generates trust, and the perception of online prices does not influence loyalty but has a positive influence on hedonic motivations.Research limitations/implicationsAlthough some constructs were ignored, for example, the integration of channels, experiential marketing and the fear of fraud, including unauthorised use of personal details, the study shows that easy access to useful information about products, prices, promotions is an important antecedent of online purchase.Practical implicationsOnline shop managers should pay special attention to e-commerce websites, and the information provided there should explore consumer's hedonic motivations for adventure. Furthermore, it is fundamental to create trust in order to maintain the interest in online shopping.Originality/valueThe estimation of the structural model in the context of online shopping includes the influence of utilitarian motivations (price and access to information), which offer a rational experience and also include emotional motivations (hedonic adventure motivations) on the intention to buy online. The results also revealed that it plays an important role to promote online trust and online loyalty.


10.2196/19128 ◽  
2020 ◽  
Vol 22 (5) ◽  
pp. e19128 ◽  
Author(s):  
Ali Farooq ◽  
Samuli Laato ◽  
A K M Najmul Islam

Background During the coronavirus disease (COVID-19) pandemic, governments issued movement restrictions and placed areas into quarantine to combat the spread of the disease. In addition, individuals were encouraged to adopt personal health measures such as social isolation. Information regarding the disease and recommended avoidance measures were distributed through a variety of channels including social media, news websites, and emails. Previous research suggests that the vast amount of available information can be confusing, potentially resulting in overconcern and information overload. Objective This study investigates the impact of online information on the individual-level intention to voluntarily self-isolate during the pandemic. Using the protection-motivation theory as a framework, we propose a model outlining the effects of cyberchondria and information overload on individuals’ perceptions and motivations. Methods To test the proposed model, we collected data with an online survey (N=225) and analyzed it using partial least square-structural equation modeling. The effects of social media and living situation were tested through multigroup analysis. Results Cyberchondria and information overload had a significant impact on individuals’ threat and coping perceptions, and through them on self-isolation intention. Among the appraisal constructs, perceived severity (P=.002) and self-efficacy (P=.003) positively impacted self-isolation intention, while response cost (P<.001) affected the intention negatively. Cyberchondria (P=.003) and information overload (P=.003) indirectly affected self-isolation intention through the aforementioned perceptions. Using social media as an information source increased both cyberchondria and information overload. No differences in perceptions were found between people living alone and those living with their families. Conclusions During COVID-19, frequent use of social media contributed to information overload and overconcern among individuals. To boost individuals’ motivation to adopt preventive measures such as self-isolation, actions should focus on lowering individuals’ perceived response costs in addition to informing them about the severity of the situation.


2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
Ali Farooq ◽  
Samuli Laato ◽  
A K M Najmul Islam

BACKGROUND During the coronavirus disease (COVID-19) pandemic, governments issued movement restrictions and placed areas into quarantine to combat the spread of the disease. In addition, individuals were encouraged to adopt personal health measures such as social isolation. Information regarding the disease and recommended avoidance measures were distributed through a variety of channels including social media, news websites, and emails. Previous research suggests that the vast amount of available information can be confusing, potentially resulting in overconcern and information overload. OBJECTIVE This study investigates the impact of online information on the individual-level intention to voluntarily self-isolate during the pandemic. Using the protection-motivation theory as a framework, we propose a model outlining the effects of cyberchondria and information overload on individuals’ perceptions and motivations. METHODS To test the proposed model, we collected data with an online survey (N=225) and analyzed it using partial least square-structural equation modeling. The effects of social media and living situation were tested through multigroup analysis. RESULTS Cyberchondria and information overload had a significant impact on individuals’ threat and coping perceptions, and through them on self-isolation intention. Among the appraisal constructs, perceived severity (<i>P</i>=.002) and self-efficacy (<i>P</i>=.003) positively impacted self-isolation intention, while response cost (<i>P</i>&lt;.001) affected the intention negatively. Cyberchondria (<i>P</i>=.003) and information overload (<i>P</i>=.003) indirectly affected self-isolation intention through the aforementioned perceptions. Using social media as an information source increased both cyberchondria and information overload. No differences in perceptions were found between people living alone and those living with their families. CONCLUSIONS During COVID-19, frequent use of social media contributed to information overload and overconcern among individuals. To boost individuals’ motivation to adopt preventive measures such as self-isolation, actions should focus on lowering individuals’ perceived response costs in addition to informing them about the severity of the situation.


2020 ◽  
Vol 12 (2) ◽  
pp. 19-50 ◽  
Author(s):  
Muhammad Siddique ◽  
Shandana Shoaib ◽  
Zahoor Jan

A key aspect of work processes in service sector firms is the interconnection between tasks and performance. Relational coordination can play an important role in addressing the issues of coordinating organizational activities due to high level of interdependence complexity in service sector firms. Research has primarily supported the aspect that well devised high performance work systems (HPWS) can intensify organizational performance. There is a growing debate, however, with regard to understanding the “mechanism” linking HPWS and performance outcomes. Using relational coordination theory, this study examines a model that examine the effects of subsets of HPWS, such as motivation, skills and opportunity enhancing HR practices on relational coordination among employees working in reciprocal interdependent job settings. Data were gathered from multiple sources including managers and employees at individual, functional and unit levels to know their understanding in relation to HPWS and relational coordination (RC) in 218 bank branches in Pakistan. Data analysis via structural equation modelling, results suggest that HPWS predicted RC among officers at the unit level. The findings of the study have contributions to both, theory and practice.


2021 ◽  
Vol 13 (14) ◽  
pp. 7697
Author(s):  
Sung Yul Ryoo ◽  
Sang Cheol Park

Shadow work continues to witness a significant uptick in the context of mobile shopping. Therefore, we question whether shadow work perceived by mobile shoppers may become a bigger problem, create fatigue for mobile shoppers, and lead them to discontinue the use of mobile shopping apps. This study examines the relationship between shadow work and the discontinuance of mobile shopping apps. Data from a total of 266 completed surveys were collected by a market research firm. We adopted partial least squares structural equation modeling (PLS-SEM) to assess both the measurement and structural components of the model. The results show that both information overload and system feature overload positively influence individuals’ shadow work. This study explores the concept of shadow work in the context of mobile shopping apps. Specifically, the study developed the relationships between the antecedents and consequences of shadow work in the mobile shopping context. The main contribution of our study is that it introduces an integrative model of shadow work in the mobile shopping context, highlighting the importance of shadow work.


2016 ◽  
Vol 44 (7) ◽  
pp. 713-730 ◽  
Author(s):  
Gopal Das

Purpose – The purpose of this paper is to examine the antecedents and consequences of trust in online shopping from an e-tail branding perspective. Design/methodology/approach – A structured questionnaire was used to collect data online from Indian e-tail shoppers (n=309). A structural equation modelling (CB-SEM approach) was used to analyse the data. Findings – The results found e-tailer awareness, e-tailer associations, and e-tailer perceived quality as antecedents of trust in online shopping. The results also showed online trust positively influences the behavioural intentions, namely, purchase intention, repurchase, and recommendation. Originality/value – This study examines the applicability and branding and brand management principles in an e-tail branding context. Theoretical and managerial implications of these results are further discussed.


2019 ◽  
Vol 13 (1) ◽  
pp. 235-254 ◽  
Author(s):  
Mengdi Wang ◽  
Dong Li

PurposeIn accordance with Bagozzi’s self-regulation theory, the aim of this paper is to explore the enablers and inhibitors of continuance intention from the perspective of bullet curtain, a new form of commentary on online video websites.Design/methodology/approachA total of 350 questionnaires were collected for the final analysis (covering 101 questionnaires for the pilot test) from China’s bullet curtain website. To analyze the model, the authors adopted SmartPLS 3.2, a structural equation modeling software.FindingsAs the results suggest, there is a positive correlation between satisfaction and continuance intention and a negative association between social network fatigue and continuance intention. In addition, synchronicity between the comments and video content, a dimension of synchronicity proposed in this study, improves the satisfaction. Furthermore, information overload significantly intensify social network fatigue.Practical implicationsThe results help bullet curtain providers offer better interactive environment and improve websites’ functions to stimulate users.Originality/valueBy combining positive effect and negative effect of commentary, this study investigates Bagozzi’s theory in a context of bullet curtain. Besides, combinations of these factors help to gain insights in how the bullet curtain works in online video websites. These offer useful guidelines for managers to optimize a better system.


2017 ◽  
Vol 19 (2) ◽  
pp. 192 ◽  
Author(s):  
Lorentia Shierly ◽  
Sabrina Sihombing

Online shopping has grown popularity over the years because of its convenient and can often save money for buyers. There are two main factors that can affect a person to do shopping online: internal factors and external factors. Previous research often focuses on one factor only, that is, internal or external factors in influencing online shopping. Therefore, this research attempts to integrate both internal (i.e., personal innovation and hedonic motivation) and external factors (i.e., web design and eWOM) in predicting attitude and intention to buy online. Data was collected by using questionnaires with non-probability sampling method. The number of respondents was 228 respondents. Data was then analyzed by Structural Equation Modeling (SEM). Results showed that four out of five hypotheses are supported. Specifically, the results showed that personal innovation is not a significant predictor of attitude toward online shopping. This study also provides research limitations and suggestions for further research.


2020 ◽  
Vol 3 (4) ◽  
pp. 1017
Author(s):  
James Salim ◽  
Leksmono Suryo Putranto

Transportation is an activity which moving a person or an object from one place to another place. Transportation is done not for desire, it is a derived demand for humans to do the activities for fulfiling their daily needs. Shopping is one of the activities that comply their daily needs. Nowdays, online shopping is a trend. Besides easy to do, online shopping can be done any where and any time because of its online system. Along with the growth of online shopping, a lot of people prefer online shopping rather than traditional shopping to shops, markets, shopping centers and other places. Thisthings could change number of people on doing shopping trips. Thisresearch aimsto find out what factors effects someone’s decision to shop online and find out wether online shopping has a direct effect on shopping trips done by people. Data for this reseach collected by quistionnaire. This research will be done with Structural Equation Modeling (SEM) Method. This research shows that experience and trust are strong factors on someone for making decision to shop online and shows that online shopping did not effect directly to people’s shopping trips.ABSTRAKTransportasi adalah kegiatan perpindahan tempat orang atau suatu benda dari satu tempat ke tempat lainnya. Transportasi dilakukan bukan karena keinginan, melainkan sebuah kebutuhan turunan karena manusia harus melakukan aktivitas untuk memenuhi kebutuhan mereka sehari-hari. Belanja adalah salah satu kegiatan yang dilakukan untuk memenuhi kebutuhan sehari-hari. Belanja online sendiri menjadi sangat trend saat ini. Belanja online selain mudah untuk dilakukan, bisa dilakukan kapan saja, dimana saja karena sistemnya yang bersifat online. Seiring dengan perkembangan belanja online, tidak sedikit orang yang lebih memilih melakukan belanja online dibandingkan melakukan belanja langsung ke toko, pasar, pusat perbelanjaan, dan tempat lainnya. Hal ini bisa jadi mempengaruhi jumlah orang yang melakukan perjalanan belanja. Penelitian ini dilakukan mengetahui faktor apa saja yang berperan dalam keputusan seseorang melakukan belanja online dan mengetahui apakah belanja online berpengaruh secara langsung terhadap perjalanan belanja yang dilakukan masyarakat. Data untuk penelitian didapatkan melalui kuesioner. Penelitian ini akan menggunakan Metode Structural Equation Modeling atau SEM. Dari hasil penelitian didapatkan bahwa pengalaman dan kepercayaan adalah dua faktor yang kuat dalam penentuan keputusan seseorang melakukan belanja online dan belanja online tidak mempengaruhi perjalanan belanja secara langsung


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