Online Information Search Research Articles

College students’ utilization of the Internet to search for mental health information: Effects on mental health literacy, stigma, and help-seeking

Objective The current study examined how college students search online for mental health information and the impact of these searches on mental health literacy, stigma, and help-seeking. Method Undergraduate participants (N = 270; Fall 2015 to Spring 2019) were randomly assigned to search online for information about coping with anxiety for themselves or a friend (experimental activity), or to utilize Google Maps to answer navigational questions (control). Results Participants who conducted an online search demonstrated greater mental health literacy including optimism about psychotherapy, and lower levels of certain types of stigma, but lower willingness to seek/recommend professional help. Participants were more likely to recommend professional help for a friend compared to themselves. Conclusions Online searches for mental health information have the potential to increase mental health literacy. Universities can harness the Internet to reduce help-seeking barriers but should also address when it is appropriate to engage in self-help versus seek professional help.

A - 7 An Examination of the Predictive Roles of Healthy Literacy and Age in Online and Print Health Information Search Performance among Older Adults

Abstract Objective As older adults increasingly seek health information online, evaluating complex technology-based everyday behaviors is important. This study examined the predictive roles of health literacy and age in health information search accuracy across online and print sources. Methods Participants were 96 community-dwelling older adults (age: M = 70.09, SD = 8.69; education: M = 16.57, SD = 2.14; 75% female; 96.88% White). Participants completed the Newest Vital Sign, a health literacy measure that required participants to interpret verbal and numerical information on a nutrition label, and a health search task (HST), which examined the ability to navigate web and print sources to search for health information. Results A multiple regression was conducted in which HST accuracy was regressed onto health literacy and age for web and print subtasks separately. Cognitive status (MoCA total score) was a covariate. Although health literacy was not a significant predictor of HST accuracy, age was a significant predictor for the web-based subtask, β = −0.29, b = −0.05, SEb = 0.02, 95% CI [−0.08, −0.02], t(92) = −2.94, p = 0.004, and cognitive status for the print-based subtask, β = 0.36, b = 0.18, SEb = 0.05, 95% CI [0.08, −0.28], t(92) = 3.50, p = 0.001. Conclusions Compared to health literacy, age and cognitive status were stronger predictors of health information search performance across online and print sources in community-dwelling older adults. Future studies should consider the impact of age and comfort with technology in examining older adults’ ability to successfully navigate online health sources.

Travelers With Disabilities: How Online Information Search Reduces Uncertainty About Service Accessibility in Hospitality and Tourism

Despite the significant number of travelers with disabilities and their substantial contribution to the tourism and hospitality industry, there has been a lack of research exploring the necessary services required by travelers with disabilities during their travels. Therefore, this study aims to identify accessibility issues encountered by travelers with disabilities during their travels and to examine the impact of these issues on their behavior in reducing uncertainty within the online travel community. To achieve the research objectives, the present study performed an integrated approach that combines text analytics and robust regression analysis. The findings of this study provide guidelines for tourism and hospitality management to reduce the perceived uncertainty experienced by travelers with disabilities, thereby promoting the accessibility of tourism and hospitality services.

Characteristics, Influence, Prevention, and Control Measures of the Mpox Infodemic: Scoping Review of Infodemiology Studies.

The mpox pandemic has caused widespread public concern around the world. The spread of misinformation through the internet and social media could lead to an infodemic that poses challenges to mpox control. This review aims to summarize mpox-related infodemiology studies to determine the characteristics, influence, prevention, and control measures of the mpox infodemic and propose prospects for future research. The scoping review was conducted based on a structured 5-step methodological framework. A comprehensive search for mpox-related infodemiology studies was performed using PubMed, Web of Science, Embase, and Scopus, with searches completed by April 30, 2024. After study selection and data extraction, the main topics of the mpox infodemic were categorized and summarized in 4 aspects, including a trend analysis of online information search volume, content topics of mpox-related online posts and comments, emotional and sentiment characteristics of online content, and prevention and control measures for the mpox infodemic. A total of 1607 articles were retrieved from the databases according to the keywords, and 61 studies were included in the final analysis. After the World Health Organization's declaration of an mpox public health emergency of international concern in July 2022, the number of related studies began growing rapidly. Google was the most widely used search engine platform (9/61, 15%), and Twitter was the most used social media app (32/61, 52%) for researchers. Researchers from 33 countries were concerned about mpox infodemic-related topics. Among them, the top 3 countries for article publication were the United States (27 studies), India (9 studies), and the United Kingdom (7 studies). Studies of online information search trends showed that mpox-related online search volume skyrocketed at the beginning of the mpox outbreak, especially when the World Health Organization provided important declarations. There was a large amount of misinformation with negative sentiment and discriminatory and hostile content against gay, bisexual, and other men who have sex with men. Given the characteristics of the mpox infodemic, the studies provided several positive prevention and control measures, including the timely and active publishing of professional, high-quality, and easy-to-understand information online; strengthening surveillance and early warning for the infodemic based on internet data; and taking measures to protect key populations from the harm of the mpox infodemic. This comprehensive summary of evidence from previous mpox infodemiology studies is valuable for understanding the characteristics of the mpox infodemic and for formulating prevention and control measures. It is essential for researchers and policy makers to establish prediction and early warning approaches and targeted intervention methods for dealing with the mpox infodemic in the future.

The Googling Effect on patient co-creation in physiotherapy service exchange

We study the process of value co-creation in physiotherapist-patient relationships and the underlying mechanisms of this process. We present the Googling Effect Model outlining the relationship between patients' pre-encounter online information search and their commitment to compliance in physiotherapy service exchange. We tested the model on a sample of physiotherapy service patients (n = 446) in the United States. We analyzed the collected responses using the partial least squares method, using SmartPLS 4.0. Our study contributes to the existing body of knowledge in several ways. We developed and tested the Googling Effect Model. Doing so adds to the healthcare literature on value co-creation in physiotherapy. The Googling Effect Model increases the predictive value of the Service-Dominant Logic as it outlines the mechanism underlying value co-creation in healthcare, including the role and importance of pre-encounter online information search in collaborative healthcare. Moreover, the findings illustrate how the underlying mechanism through which pre-encounter online information search affects commitment to compliance differs between men and women and different ethnic groups. These findings can be used to create an environment that increases service engagement and commitment to compliance by accounting for patients’ gender and ethnicity.

The Application of Internet Technology in Enhancing the Efficiency of the Gig Economy

As our country's overall strength continues to grow, internet technology has rapidly developed, giving rise to the gig economy as a new economic form. The gig economy is characterized by its strong flexibility and intelligence, becoming the choice of many, while providing businesses with a broader range of human resource options. Traditionally, the gig economy has been limited by geographical and informational constraints, making it difficult for supply and demand to match effectively. However, with the widespread adoption of internet technology, gig workers and demanders can easily post and search for information online, achieving precise matches. This efficient circulation of information not only reduces search costs but also improves matching efficiency, making the gig economy more flexible and efficient. Additionally, internet technology enhances the efficiency of the gig economy by optimizing organizational management and processes. With tools such as project management software, automation, and intelligent processes, teams within the gig economy can better coordinate work and improve work efficiency. These technologies reduce error rates, ensure the quality and effectiveness of work, and promote the sustainable development of the gig economy.

Use of aspirin in cardiovascular disease prevention-the role of online information search.

This study intends to examine influences of online information search on the use of aspirin in cardiovascular diseases (CVDs) prevention among the applicable adult population in the United States. We used data of 2018 National Health Interview Survey (NHIS). Our study sample is limited to adults age 40 or older to be consistent with the American Heart Association/American College of Cardiology Foundation (AHA/ACCF) guidelines for aspirin use. Linear probability models were used to test the association between patient's aspirin use behaviors and the variables of interest in four separate models. Our results show that the use of aspirin for CVD prevention was associated with online health information seeking in different ways. When patients received doctors' advice to use aspirin, online information seeking has a negative influence, depending on whether the individual has CVD risk factors. However, for patients without recommendations from providers, the effects of online information seeking on self-initiated aspirin use depend on the different types of preventions (primary vs. secondary) and CVD risk factors. Overall, online health information might lead to both overuse and underuse of aspirin in CVD preventions. Findings in this study may lead to decision-making that is not consistent with advice from healthcare professionals and/or established clinical guidelines.

The predictors of academics' online information searching strategies: A structural model integrating cognitive absorption and digital literacy

Searching for information on online environments is a crucial part of today's academics' work. However, no published research has been identified that comprehensively focuses on academics' online information searching patterns. This study aimed to determine the predictor variables of academics' online information searching strategies. A structural model which seeks to explain the relationship between online information searching strategies and predictor variables was constructed. Data was collected with four different data collection instruments: “Personal Information Form”, “Online Information Searching Strategies Scales”, “Cognitive Absorption Scale”, and “Digital Literacy Scale”, which were collected from 501 academics from 18 different universities. SEM analysis techniques were used in the analysis of the data. Twenty-four hypotheses were tested through SEM analysis. The results of the analysis found that academics' online information search strategies can be predicted by digital literacy. Daily internet usage time has a significant effect on cognitive absorption. In addition, digital literacy has a mediating role between online information searching strategies and cognitive absorption.

Digital and online tools employed by prospective teachers to access information

The proliferation of digital information technologies has underscored the heightened necessity for online information search. This study is directed towards the analysis of the strategies adopted by prospective teachers in the selection of digital content employed for accessing information, their preferences concerning the use of digital and online tools, and the rationale that underpins these preferences. To achieve this aim, the case study method was used. Employing the purposive sampling method, the study involved a participant pool of 72 teacher candidates in the 3rd and 4th grades within the faculties of education. To collect data, a personal information form, an online interview form, a focus group interview form, and a word association test were employed. The data were analyzed using the content and descriptive analysis methods. At the end of the study, the prospective teachers expressed a common tendency that when it comes to scientific research, they often prefer to search for articles whereas for more general inquiries, they have a propensity for utilizing internet searches. Most of the prospective teachers follow a step-by-step research process when accessing information. In addition, they employ both goal-oriented and general-content resources while in pursuit of scientific information. They pay attention to data reliability, accurate information, speed, and access to the Internet in the process of obtaining information. They consider the tools they use adequate and reliable. Teacher candidates establish complex conceptual networks among the array of tools they employ to access information. A comprehensive discussion concerning the outcomes of the research is also presented.

Automating untruths: ChatGPT, self-managed medication abortion, and the threat of misinformation in a post-Roe world.

ChatGPT is a generative artificial intelligence chatbot that uses natural language processing to understand and execute prompts in a human-like manner. While the chatbot has become popular as a source of information among the public, experts have expressed concerns about the number of false and misleading statements made by ChatGPT. Many people search online for information about self-managed medication abortion, which has become even more common following the overturning of Roe v. Wade. It is likely that ChatGPT is also being used as a source of this information; however, little is known about its accuracy. To assess the accuracy of ChatGPT responses to common questions regarding self-managed abortion safety and the process of using abortion pills. We prompted ChatGPT with 65 questions about self-managed medication abortion, which produced approximately 11,000 words of text. We qualitatively coded all data in MAXQDA and performed thematic analysis. ChatGPT responses correctly described clinician-managed medication abortion as both safe and effective. In contrast, self-managed medication abortion was inaccurately described as dangerous and associated with an increase in the risk of complications, which was attributed to the lack of clinician supervision. ChatGPT repeatedly provided responses that overstated the risk of complications associated with self-managed medication abortion in ways that directly contradict the expansive body of evidence demonstrating that self-managed medication abortion is both safe and effective. The chatbot's tendency to perpetuate health misinformation and associated stigma regarding self-managed medication abortions poses a threat to public health and reproductive autonomy.

The role of online identity orientation and socializing for information search: a case of ethnic minority guests’ hospitality experiences

PurposeThis paper aims to investigate the impact of online identity orientation and online friendship homophily on online socializing, online information search and ethnic guests’ hospitality experiences.Design/methodology/approachThe study uses structural equation modeling to test a conceptual model developed after reviewing hospitality literature. Data is collected from a sample of 514 Turkish-Dutch ethnic guests living in the Netherlands using a self-administered questionnaire.FindingsThe results show that online identity orientations aligned with minority and majority cultures impact online friendship homophily and online socializing, which subsequently impact online information search and hospitality experiences of ethnic guests.Practical implicationsOn the whole, ethnic communities have considerable spending power. The findings point to heritage and mainstream cultural socialization accounting for travel and hospitality experiences within an ethnic minority group. The findings supply relevant information for hospitality sectors on services to endorse or promote to guests from ethnic communities.Originality/valueThe study examines the simultaneous effects of online identity orientations and online friendship homophily on online socialization and hospitality experiences of ethnic guests. It highlights the role of culture in explaining the use of social networking sites and its potential impact on hospitality-related behaviors and experiences of ethnic guest consumers.

고령소비자의 온라인․비대면 정보탐색 및 구매활용 현황과 관련 요인 : 연령 집단별 차이 비교에 대한 탐색적 연구

고령소비자의 온라인․비대면 정보탐색 및 구매활용 현황과 관련 요인 : 연령 집단별 차이 비교에 대한 탐색적 연구

IMPACT OF DIGITAL AND SOCIAL ENGAGEMENT ON QUALITY OF LIFE AMONG RURAL OLDER ADULTS

Abstract Objectives In the current digitalized society, digital and social engagement are important elements in the well-being of older adults. This study examines how different types of digital and social engagement are associated with different aspects of quality of life among rural healthy older adults. Methods Older adults without cognitive impairments, residing in the community in Southeast Idaho (n=154) participated in the ‘Aging in Idaho study’ in 2018. Internet use for communication, instrumental purposes, and health information searches were measured. Informal and formal social participation were measured. Five aspects of quality of life (QOL) were measured using the WHOQOL-BREF. Multiple regression analyses were performed. Results Well-educated (M=16 years) rural older adults used the Internet for various purposes, actively engaged in social activities, and reported higher level of QOL for overall and life environment (e.g., M=4.6, Range=1-5). Internet use for communication was positively associated with QOL general health (β=.20, P <.05). Online health information search was negatively associated with QOL general health (β= -.42, P <.05). Informal social participation was positively associated with QOL overall (β=.17, P <.05), psychological health (β=.13, P <.05), and life environment (β=.20, P <.05). Formal social participation was positively associated with QOL social relationships (β=.16, P <.05). Discussion Digital and social engagement relate in distinct ways with different aspects of QOL. Older adults perceived QOL to be better when they actively adopted digital technology whereas maintaining social engagement well in the community. Promoting digital engagement which enables to facilitate social engagement in later life will be discussed.

Automatic Topic-Based Web Page Classification Using Deep Learning

The internet is frequently surfed by people by using smartphones, laptops, or computers in order to search information online in the web. The increase of information in the web has made the web pages grow day by day. The automatic topic-based web page classification is used to manage the excessive amount of web pages by classifying them to different categories based on the web page content. Different machine learning algorithms have been employed as web page classifiers to categorise the web pages. However, there is lack of study that review classification of web pages using deep learning. In this study, the automatic topic-based classification of web pages utilising deep learning that has been proposed by many key researchers are reviewed. The relevant research papers are selected from reputable research databases. The review process looked at the dataset, features, algorithm, pre-processing used in classification of web pages, document representation technique and performance of the web page classification model. The document representation technique used to represent the web page features is an important aspect in the classification of web pages as it affects the performance of the web page classification model. The integral web page feature is the textual content. Based on the review, it was found that the image based web page classification showed higher performance compared to the text based web page classification. Due to lack of matrix representation that can effectively handle long web page text content, a new document representation technique which is word cloud image can be used to visualize the words that have been extracted from the text content web page.

Impact of customers' needs on online information search of upscale restaurant attributes and customer satisfaction

PurposeThis research investigates the effects of consumers' online information searching on their dining satisfaction in upscale restaurants during the pandemic. Customers frequently rely on online sources to gather information about upscale restaurants prior to their visits.Design/methodology/approachData from 307 diners across the top ten popular upscale restaurants in Hong Kong were analysed by using SEM to explore the links between customers' needs, information search, restaurant attributes and customer satisfaction.FindingsThis study uncovers customers' online search behaviours and identifies restaurant attributes that are associated with customer satisfaction, which were not typically emphasised before the COVID-19 pandemic. Driven by their social and psychological needs, customers devoted more time to reading written comments by other consumers compared to visual images or self-descriptions from restaurants. Only service attribute significantly influenced customer satisfaction, while food and price attributes were not significant.Research limitations/implicationsThe findings of this study provide valuable insights for researchers and practitioners, shedding light on the altered needs and preferences of consumers following the unprecedented health crisis.Originality/valueThis study contributes to the development of expectancy disconfirmation theory and needs theory through the investigation of consumers' online information searching behaviours and dining satisfaction in upscale restaurants during the pandemic. By identifying the most important attributes influencing customer satisfaction, this research can aid upscale restaurants in developing effective marketing strategies and enhancing customer experiences.

DAMPAK EKONOMI DESA MELALUI WISATA PANTAI WANE DALAM PERSPEKTIF EKONOMI ISLAM KEC. MONTA, KAB. BIMA

This study aims to determine the economic impact of villages through wane beach tourism in the Islamic Economic Perspective of Monta District, Bima District. Research using desk research methods with online data and information search techniques, secondary sources, and scientific publication sources. While the analytical techniques used are qualitative descriptive analysis techniques, analogies, comparisons of several research results and other scientific publications with the problems of the economic dimension of the village through tourist beaches. The results showed that there are two aspects in the village economy, the first is the positive aspect for the village economy, increasing village economic income, Making villages more exposed, transportation roads are asphalted, household economies increase, fishermen have the opportunity to sell fish. The Islamic economic view of the impact of tourism villages focuses on welfare, justice, and utilizing the environment without damaging the environment. While the negative aspects for the village economy are the lack of village security, high crime rates on visitors that hinder local tourists from visiting and will reduce village income. In view of economics Islam is to strongly condemn the acts that are zhalim and the level of crime that results in harm to others.

Examining the relationship between online distribution channels and tourist satisfaction and loyalty

Although the Internet and e-commerce have contributed positively to the tourism sector, there is not much empirical research on the transformation of distribution channels or that considers the use of the Internet in travel planning as an antecedent of tourist satisfaction and loyalty. This paper aims to test the influence of online distribution channels in trip planning by tourists on their general satisfaction level and their loyalty towards the destination and to differentiate the profile of digital and traditional tourists. Quantitative research techniques are used to analyse the dataset of 1,387 surveys of tourists visiting the province of Burgos, Spain. Among those surveyed, 65% search for information online and 54% book or pay for services online. According to ordinal regression analysis, the use of online channels does not significantly influence the level of satisfaction, but according to binary logistic regression, it does significantly influence loyalty. The findings provide valuable information for developing marketing strategies in tourism organisations and support decision-makers in creating competitive tourism destinations that are resilient to the demographic challenge of depopulation.

Online subject searching of humanities PhD students at a Swedish university

PurposeThis exploratory study aims to help contribute to the understanding of online information search behaviour of PhD students from different humanities fields, with a focus on subject searching.Design/methodology/approachThe methodology is based on a semi-structured interview within which the participants are asked to conduct both a controlled search task and a free search task. The sample comprises eight PhD students in several humanities disciplines at Linnaeus University, a medium-sized Swedish university from 2020.FindingsMost humanities PhD students in the study have received training in information searching, but it has been too basic. Most rely on web search engines like Google and Google Scholar for publications' search, and university's discovery system for known-item searching. As these systems do not rely on controlled vocabularies, the participants often struggle with too many retrieved documents that are not relevant. Most only rarely or never use disciplinary bibliographic databases. The controlled search task has shown some benefits of using controlled vocabularies in the disciplinary databases, but incomplete synonym or concept coverage as well as user unfriendly search interface present hindrances.Originality/valueThe paper illuminates an often-forgotten but pervasive challenge of subject searching, especially for humanities researchers. It demonstrates difficulties and shows how most PhD students have missed finding an important resource in their research. It calls for the need to reconsider training in information searching and the need to make use of controlled vocabularies implemented in various search systems with usable search and browse user interfaces.

The Influence of Interactivity and Ephemerality of Instagram Advertisements in Shaping Perceived Value and Behavioral Intention

Instagram stands out as a prominent platform, offering companies a valuable space to promote their offerings to a vast and diverse audience. To capture consumer interest, Instagram advertisements now incorporate innovative interactive features and ephemeral effects, enhancing their appeal and engagement. The objective of this study is to examine the influence of interactivity and ephemerality of instagram advertisements in shaping perceived value and behavioral intention. A quantitative research approach was employed in this study. Data from 239 participants were gathered through an online survey and analyzed utilizing SmartPLS 3.2.9 software employing Structural Equation Modeling. The findings indicate that the interactivity and ephemerality of Instagram Stories advertisements significantly influence three types of perceived value such as utilitarian, hedonic, and social value among female consumers of the fashion brand HeyLocal. Furthermore, these perceived values motivate positive behavioral intentions such as the intention towards social media activities, online search, and brand purchase. In contrast to social value, it was found that utilitarian and hedonic value do not directly impact brand purchase. In addition, our research revealed that consumers’ purchase decisions can be reinforced through their engagement in social media activities and online information search.

Tourists’ Online Information Search Behavior: Combined User-Generated and Marketer-Generated Content in Restaurant Decision Making

Tourist information search behavior is one of the most important aspects of risk reduction in the travel decision-making process. Understanding tourists’ behavior when searching for online information has been heavily weighted toward user-generated content (UGC), mainly employed deductive research approaches. This study examines the influence of both UGC and marketer-generated content (MGC) on tourists’ choice of restaurant, using eye-tracking technology to measure customers’ visual behavior combined with retrospective think-aloud interviews. Data was collected from 28 participants in a laboratory-based study. Video recordings of participants’ eye movements during the task aided participant recall in follow-up interviews. This study offers insights into the integrated investigation of the influence of UGC and MGC on tourists’ information search behavior. It validates and extends understanding of the roles of pictorial information, written information, and other factors, and newly clarifies the role of both positive and negative reviews in influencing restaurant selection from international tourists’ perspectives.