Work

Understanding the Facebook Users' Behavior towards COVID-19 Information Sharing by Integrating the Theory of Planned Behavior and Gratifications

Year: 2021

Type: article

Abstract: This study aimed to investigate Facebook users’ information sharing behavior during COVID-19 by merging the theory of planned behavior and uses and gratifications theory into one theoretical framework. Facebook has been playing a pivotal role in shaping how people across the globe are experiencing the coronavirus pandemic. Yet knowledge about motivational and behavioral factors influencing information sharing through Facebook remains limited in the context of COVID-19. We collected data from 540 Facebook users through Google Forms. Structural equation modeling was applied to test the hypotheses of the study. We noted that Facebook users shared COVID-19 information for entertainment, socializing, and status-seeking. The findings further identified that attitude toward behavior, subjective norms, and perceived behavioral control positively affect the behavioral intention and actual behavior of Facebook users to share COVID-19 information.

Source: Information Development

DOI: 10.1177/02666669211049383

Authors: Amara Malik, Khalid Mahmood, Talat Islam

Institution: University of the Punjab

Language: English

Topic: Communication and COVID-19 Impact

Subfield: Communication

Field: Social Sciences

Domain: Social Sciences

SDG: Good health and well-being

Open Access status: hybrid

Estimated APC paid: $3,000