Title
Discrediting in a Message Board Forum: The Effects of Social Support and Attacks on Expertise and Trustworthiness
Abstract
AbstractGiven the prevalence of online media today, credibility continues to be a popular subject of empirical research. However, studies examining the effects of discrediting strategies are rare. This issue is significant given the popularity of online media and the ease of such sources to spread misinformation. Therefore, the present study examines the effects of attacking the expertise and trustworthiness of a proponent of a major social issue. Results showed that support as well specific combinations of discrediting attack strategies significantly reduced message board readers' perceptions of the proponent's credibility. In addition, attacks on either the proponent's expertise or trustworthiness resulted in a reduced likelihood of readers taking action with respect to the issue.
Year
DOI
Venue
2014
10.1111/jcc4.12077
Periodicals
Keywords
Field
DocType
Credibility,Trustworthiness,Expertise,Social Support,Discrediting,Behavioral Intentions,Ideological Attitude Change,Online Communities
Social psychology,Social issues,Credibility,Popularity,Misinformation,Psychology,Social support,Perception,Digital media,Empirical research
Journal
Volume
Issue
ISSN
19
3
1083-6101
Citations 
PageRank 
References 
2
0.39
1
Authors
9