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The effect of group arguments on commercial rumor spreading in Chinese online discussion forum: A conformity and polarization perspective

  • Quansheng Wang
  • , Xue Yang
  • , Geng Zhou

Research output: Chapters, Conference Papers, Creative and Literary WorksRGC 32 - Refereed conference paper (with host publication)peer-review

Abstract

The proliferation of the Internet and online discussion forums has greatly increased the number and transmission speed of online rumors in China. To take more effective measures to counter the negative effects of these rumors, researchers and companies should understand the underlying mechanism of online rumor transmission. Therefore, this study take an early initiative by focusing on consumers' arguments in online discussion forums on the rumors and their effects on an individual's belief in rumor and belief change, which is guided by the informational cascade and group polarization theories. In turn, belief and belief change on the online rumor lead to intention to spread the rumor. A lab experiment was conducted to test research hypotheses, which support most of the key hypotheses. Based on the discussions on the results, implications, limitations of the study and conclusion are presented. © 2012 Authors.
Original languageEnglish
Title of host publicationACM International Conference Proceeding Series
Pages335-336
DOIs
Publication statusPublished - 2012
Externally publishedYes
Event14th Annual International Conference on Electronic Commerce, ICEC 2012 - Singapore, Singapore
Duration: 7 Aug 20128 Aug 2012

Conference

Conference14th Annual International Conference on Electronic Commerce, ICEC 2012
PlaceSingapore
CitySingapore
Period7/08/128/08/12

Research Keywords

  • group arguments
  • group polarization
  • informational cascade
  • online rumor
  • rumor transmission intention

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