Significant Direct Effect Research Articles

Paths and their implications of parents’ health literacy on road traffic injuries in children aged 0–6 years in China: a mixed methods approach

Background Road traffic injuries are a major global public health concern. Community-based interventions are an effective way to prevent unintentional injury in children aged 0–6 years. Parental health literacy is closely associated with child safety. This study explores whether the relationship and impact between the components of parents’ health literacy are related to children’s road traffic injuries. Methods We conducted a mixed-methods study. The first component involved a questionnaire to 352 participants and identified the paths between the components of parents’ health literacy related to children’s road traffic injuries, using structural equation modelling. The second component conducted semi-structured interviews with 35 experts and parents. Results The average total score of parents’ health literacy was 76.29±7.65. Components ranked by score: ‘use’, ‘understand’, ‘belief’, ‘access’ and strengthening ‘communication’. Confirmatory factor analysis global model fit well (Comparative Fit Index（CFI）=0.991,Root Mean Square Error Approximation(RMSEA)=0.024, Standardized Root Mean Square Residual(SRMR)=0.029). Significant direct effects: ‘access’ had an effect on ‘communication’, ‘understanding’ influenced ‘belief’, ‘communication’ and ‘belief’ influenced ‘use’, and ‘use’ influenced the occurrence of road traffic injuries. The standardised path coefficients were 0.200, 0.051, 0.241, 0.419 and –0.009, respectively. Two paths identified: ‘access→communication→use→road traffic injury’ and ‘understand→belief→use→road traffic injury’. The semistructured interview identified the community-based intervention measures for addressing five priority problems. Finally, a conceptual framework was developed. Conclusions Community health education can leverage direct effects while considering behavioural influencing factors and developing targeted interventions to improve parents’ health literacy to reduce or prevent road traffic injuries among children worldwide, especially in developed cities.

The Role Of Brand Love And Wom In Mediating The Influence Of Brand Experience On Repurchase Intention

The research adopts the Stimulus-Organism-Response (SOR) theory as the grand framework to explain the relationships between the studied variables. The study was conducted on Larissa skincare customers in Denpasar using a quantitative approach with a survey method involving 145 respondents who are active customers and meet the criteria of making at least two repeat purchases in the past six months. The sample size was determined using the Slovin formula, and the sampling technique employed was simple random sampling. Data were analyzed using the Structural Equation Modeling–Partial Least Squares (SEM-PLS) method. The results show that brand experience does not have a significant direct effect on repurchase intention, but it has a significant positive effect on both brand love and word of mouth. Furthermore, both brand love and word of mouth have a significant positive influence on repurchase intention. These findings indicate that the effect of brand experience on repurchase intention is indirect and fully mediated by brand love and word of mouth. This study is expected to contribute theoretically to the development of the Stimulus-Organism-Response (SOR) framework, particularly in the context of forming repurchase intention through consumers' psychological mechanisms. In practical terms, the findings also offer valuable insights for companies to formulate more targeted marketing strategies. By strategically managing brand experience, strengthening emotional attachment through brand love, and encouraging positive consumer communication via word of mouth, companies can enhance customer loyalty and promote sustainable repurchase behavior.

The role of price, land, labor, and capital on Kepok Banana farmer's income in Sikka Regency: the mediating role of production

Despite the national increase in banana production, Kepok banana farmers in Sikka Regency have experienced a sharp decline in both production and income. This study aims to analyze the factors affecting the income of Kepok banana farmers in Sikka Regency by examining the role of production as a mediating variable between key determinants—price, land area, labor, and capital—and income levels. The study employs a quantitative research approach using survey methods to collect primary data from Kepok banana farmers in Sikka Regency. The sampling technique applied is simple random sampling, ensuring proportional representation from 21 sub-districts. Out of a total population of 2,123 farmers, a final sample of 354 farmers was randomly selected. The collected data was analyzed using Partial Least Squares (PLS) through SmartPLS to examine the relationships. The study found that price, land area, labor, and capital all have a positive and significant impact on the production of Kepok bananas in Sikka Regency. Production itself plays a crucial role in influencing farmers' income, alongside price, land area, labor, and capital, all of which have a direct positive and significant effect on income. Production mediates the relationship between price, labor, and capital with farmers' income, indicating that these factors contribute to higher production, which in turn increases income. However, production does not mediate the effect of land area on income, suggesting that while land expansion increases production, its direct impact on income may be influenced by other factors beyond production volume alone.

Türkiye’s leisure repertoire: The cultural consonance paradox on the path to perceived health and happiness

The aim of the study was to examine the importance of leisure activities in terms of cultural consonance by assessing whether there was cultural consensus regarding the leisure activities engaged in by individuals living in three metropolitan cities in Türkiye. Furthermore, the relationships among cultural consonance in leisure, leisure satisfaction, health perception, and happiness were investigated. The results indicated the presence of cultural consensus concerning leisure activity participation. In contrast, cultural consonance in leisure was found to not have a significant direct effect on leisure satisfaction. However, leisure satisfaction demonstrated a direct and a significant effect on both happiness and health perception. Health perception was also found to have a direct and significant effect on happiness. Moreover, health perception was shown to mediate the relationship between leisure satisfaction and happiness with the indirect effect being statistically significant and positive.

Analisis Absorptive Capacity Terhadap Sustainable Business

Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs) are an important economic sector in Indonesia that contributes significantly to GDP and job creation, but face challenges in implementing sustainable business practices, especially related to limited access to technology, leadership style, and digital marketing. This study aims to analyze the effect of entrepreneurial leadership and digital marketing on sustainable business, with absorptive capacity as a mediating variable. Using a quantitative approach, this study tested the hypothesis on 133 traditional food MSMEs in Sukabumi City selected through purposive sampling, with data analysis using Structural Equation Modeling (SEM) via SPSS AMOS. The results showed that entrepreneurial leadership and digital marketing positively and significantly influenced absorptive capacity. In addition, entrepreneurial leadership also had a positive and significant effect on sustainable business. Although digital marketing did not have a significant direct effect on sustainable business, absorptive capacity was shown to have a positive and significant effect on sustainable business. These findings indicate that entrepreneurial leadership and digital marketing increase the adaptability of MSMEs by increasing the capacity to absorb external information, which in turn supports adaptive strategies and business sustainability. Overall, entrepreneurial leadership and absorptive capacity are the main drivers of MSME business sustainability, emphasizing the importance of mastering digital technology and entrepreneurial leadership strategies to achieve sustainability.

Connectivity of digital marketing communication strategy between tourism facilities and interests

Tourism facilities contribute significantly to enhancing the tourist experience by offering comfort, cleanliness, safety, and entertainment. However, their direct effect on tourism interest remains unclear. This study examines the relationship between tourism facilities, digital marketing communication strategies, and tourism interest using a mediated model. A quantitative survey was conducted on Pari Island, Seribu Islands, involving 223 tourists selected through purposive sampling. Respondents were aged 17 or older and had visited within the past six months. Path analysis was used to analyze the data. Results show no significant direct effect between facilities and tourism interest. However, digital marketing strategies strongly mediate the relationship. These strategies promote tourism facilities and engage tourists through interactive communication. The study highlights the importance of digital platforms in shaping tourism interest. Future research is recommended to explore this model across destinations, timeframes, and demographic segments using Structural Equation Modeling (SEM) for broader insights.

An examination of college students’ adult sexual assault experiences, risky drinking behaviors, alcohol centrality beliefs, and restorative justice attitudes

ABSTRACT Sexual assault is an issue on college campuses and links to alcohol use and centrality beliefs. Severity of sexual assault experiences and alcohol use and centrality beliefs, independently and jointly, have deleterious effects on individuals’ well-being. However, little is known about how this shapes individuals’ perceptions of interventions that can aid in their restoration and healing – such as their attitudes toward restorative justice. In a sample of 2,056 college students, we examined whether adult sexual assault experiences relate to alcohol consumption and centrality beliefs and evaluated differences based on gender and survivor status. In addition, we examined participants’ restorative justice attitudes on the relationship between adult sexual assault experience severity and alcohol use and centrality beliefs. We found significant differences in support for restorative justice based on survivor status and gender. Structural Equation Modeling also revealed a significant direct effect between sexual assault severity and alcohol use and centrality beliefs. Additionally, we found a significant negative effect between restorative justice attitudes and alcohol use and centrality beliefs. This study provides a unique understanding of the relationship between college students’ adult sexual assault experiences, alcohol use and centrality beliefs, and their restorative justice attitudes as a potential mechanism for intervention.

The Direct and Indirect Effects of Hearing Loss on Loneliness in Older Adults.

The objective of this study was to determine if and how hearing loss leads to loneliness in older adults. We examined data from wave 5 (2013, n = 66.188) and wave 6 (2015, n = 68.186) from the Survey of Health, Ageing and Retirement which is a cross-national panel database of older adults from 27 European countries and Israel. Hearing abilities were self-rated on a 5-point Likert scale ranging from "excellent" to "poor." Analyses included longitudinal models, as well as mediation analysis to examine indirect effects. Poor hearing was reported by 3.8% of participants. A generalized linear mixed model (GLMM) revealed that participants with poor hearing in wave 5 reported significantly higher loneliness scores in wave 6 compared with those with better hearing (β = 0.509, p < 0.001). Loneliness increased across all hearing ability groups from wave 5 to 6, with a steeper increase for those with poorer hearing. Older age (β = 0.004, p < 0.001) and female gender (β = 0.239, p < 0.001) were also associated with greater loneliness. There was no significant moderating effect of hearing aid use on the relationship between hearing ability and loneliness. Mediation analysis demonstrated a significant direct effect of poor hearing on loneliness (B = 0.109, p < 0.001), as well as significant indirect effects through depressive symptoms (B = -0.043, p < 0.001), functional limitations (B = -0.013, p < 0.001), verbal fluency (B = -0.007, p < 0.001), and self-rated health (B = -0.005, p = 0.006). The total effect of hearing on loneliness, combining direct and indirect effects, was significant (B = 0.042, p < 0.001). The findings highlight the direct and indirect pathways through which hearing loss contributes to loneliness in older adults. Poor hearing exacerbates functional limitations, depression, and cognitive decline, all of which can further increase the risk of loneliness.

The relationship between physical activity and Internet addiction among Chinese adolescents: exploring latent profile analysis and multi-level mediating mechanisms

In recent years, adolescent Internet addiction has emerged as a pressing concern, undermining young people’s psychological well-being and social functioning. Although regular physical activity is known to bolster adolescents’ mental health, its direct and indirect protective effects against Internet addiction—and the psychosocial processes involved—remain insufficiently understood, particularly in terms of how these effects differ across subgroups identified via latent profile analysis. Given this, the present study, employing structural equation modeling (SEM), delineated the factor structures and predictive relationships among physical activity, family cohesion, prosocial behavior, and Internet addiction. Moreover, to investigate how these pathways vary across different user groups, we conducted latent profile analysis (LPA) to identify distinct Internet-use typologies and tested their Mediation effects. The measurement model supported adequate construct validity and internal consistency across all latent variables, ensuring the reliability of subsequent structural analyses. SEM results demonstrated that physical activity exerted a significant negative direct effect on Internet addiction (β = −0.227, p &amp;lt; 0.001), and indirect effects via family cohesion (−0.065, 15.7% of total effect) and prosocial behavior (−0.083, 19.9% of total effect), as well as a chained pathway from family cohesion to prosocial behavior (−0.043, 10.1% of total effect). LPA supported a three-class solution—Functional Use (31.2%), At-Risk Use (49.5%), and Addicted Use (19.3%)—and multi-group SEM indicated that the magnitude of both indirect pathways varied across these typologies, with the strongest mediation observed in the At-Risk group. These findings suggest that physical activity is associated with reduced adolescent Internet addiction both directly and indirectly through socio-psychological mechanisms, and that intervention efforts should be tailored to specific user typologies to maximize preventive and remedial impact. These findings suggest that school-based physical activity interventions may help mitigate Internet addiction among Chinese adolescents.

PENGARUH PRICE TERHADAP ELECTRONIC WORD OF MOUTH DAN BRAND IMAGE SERTA TERHADAP REPURCHASE INTENTION KONSUMEN KOPI LOKAL KEKINIAN (KOPI TUKU DI JAKARTA)

This study examines the influence of price on electronic word of mouth (E-WOM) and brand image, and their effects on repurchase intention among consumers of contemporary local coffee, focusing on Kopi Tuku in Jakarta. Using a quantitative approach, data were collected via an online questionnaire from 287 respondents who had purchased Kopi Tuku at least five times in the past three months, lived in Jakarta, were over 17 years old, and actively used the internet and social media to obtain information about the brand. The data were analyzed using Structural Equation Modeling (SEM) with Lisrel 8.8 software. Results indicate that price has a significant positive direct effect on E-WOM, brand image, and repurchase intention. Furthermore, E-WOM positively influences both brand image and repurchase intention. These findings support the Stimulus-Organism-Response (SOR) theory, suggesting that price as a stimulus affects internal consumer perceptions (E-WOM and brand image), which in turn impact repurchase intention as the consumer’s response. This research contributes theoretically by enhancing understanding of consumer behavior in the local coffee market and offers practical recommendations for Kopi Tuku’s management to optimize pricing strategies, strengthen brand image, and encourage positive E-WOM to improve customer loyalty and sales. The study provides valuable insights for businesses competing in the growing market of modern local coffee consumers.

Gender and Height Are Associated With Life Satisfaction Through Psychosocial Factors: Findings From Sweden.

This study examines the interplay between gender, height, and life satisfaction in the Swedish population. While height consistently shows a positive correlation with life satisfaction, gender effects on life satisfaction are typically null or inconsistent across studies, suggesting complex underlying mechanisms. Using data drawn from a representative cross-sectional sample (n = 990), we applied structural equation modeling (SEM) and multi-group confirmatory factor analysis. We investigated how five psychosocial factors assessed via multi-item scales (perceived safety, social trust, social support, social status, and financial satisfaction) mediate the effects of height and gender on life satisfaction. SEM results indicated that height and gender indirectly influence life satisfaction via the psychosocial factors, with no significant direct effects observed. Height demonstrated significant positive indirect effects on life satisfaction through perceived safety and financial satisfaction. Being female was associated with positive indirect effects on life satisfaction via social trust and social support (independent of height) but also showed negative indirect effects through height-mediated pathways involving safety and financial satisfaction. The findings suggest that height's positive association with life satisfaction operates indirectly via psychosocial factors, particularly perceived safety and financial satisfaction. Simultaneously, the lack of a direct gender-life satisfaction relationship may stem from counterbalancing indirect pathways, with some male advantages potentially operating through height. This study highlights the complex interplay of physical characteristics and psychosocial experiences in shaping well-being.

Between Substance and Symbolism: How Resources and Organizational Facades Interact in Voluntary Climate Commitments

ABSTRACTFirms increasingly disclose their climate action strategies through voluntary initiatives, yet concerns persist about the substantive impact of such disclosures. This study investigates how internal resources interact with organizational facades—symbolic mechanisms designed to reinforce legitimacy to stakeholders—in shaping corporate climate commitments. Using multivariate econometric regressions on a sample of 271 Colombian companies participating in the United Nations Global Compact (UNGC), we assess how governance, information, systems, and technology (GISTe) resources influence reported Climate Action Commitments (CAC) aligned with the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). Our results show that governance, information, and R&amp;D resources are most strongly associated with higher CAC and that facades exert significant direct and moderating effects, especially on governance and information. These findings contribute novel empirical evidence to the literature on symbolic corporate environmentalism. Practically, they suggest that firms in weakly regulated contexts may use stakeholder engagement not only to comply symbolically but also to enhance the perceived credibility of their environmental commitments. The study offers valuable insights for policymakers and sustainability advocates aiming to strengthen monitoring mechanisms and reduce the gap between reported and actual climate performance in developing economies.

The mediating effect of meaning in life in the relationship between self-compassion and psychopathological symptoms among Chinese adults

BackgroundWhile there is consistent evidence linking self-compassion to depression and anxiety, the specific pathways that connect them remain poorly understood. One potential pathway is the presence of meaning in life. The present study aimed to investigate whether presence of meaning in life, mediate the association between self-compassion and psychopathological symptoms (depression and anxiety) in a sample of adults across different age groups.Methods300 Hong Kong Chinese (age 18–70 years) were recruited by proportionate stratified sampling. Path analysis was utilized to examine the total effects, indirect effects (i.e., mediation), and direct effects outlined in the proposed hypotheses.ResultsIn terms of depression, a mediation effect of presence of meaning in life was observed. Both the direct effects and the indirect effects were statistically significant (all p values < 0.001). However, in terms of anxiety, the model showed significant direct effects of self-compassion on the anxiety symptoms, but no significant effect was found of the presence of meaning in life on the anxiety symptoms (p = 0.77) and, therefore, the indirect effects were not statistically significant.ConclusionSelf-compassion was found to weaken the depressive symptoms in the current study. Our study further revealed that the sense of presence of meaning in life mediated the relationship between self-compassion and depressive symptoms. Individuals who are self-compassionate are less susceptible to depressive symptoms as they experience a greater sense of presence of meaning in life. Self-compassion may facilitate the cultivation of positive emotions and the ability to bounce back from negative emotions, ultimately reducing the likelihood of experiencing depressive symptoms.

Transforming nursing education: the power of educational leadership in optimizing time management and competency

BackgroundEffective time management and nursing competence are crucial for nursing students’ academic and professional success. Educational leadership may play a mediating role in strengthening the relationship between time management skills and nursing competence. However, limited research has examined this potential mediation in the nursing education context in Egypt.AimTo investigate the mediating role of educational leadership in the relationship between time management and nursing competence among undergraduate nursing students.MethodsA descriptive comparative cross-sectional study was conducted, involving a sample of 532 undergraduate nursing students selected using systematic random sampling. Data collection tools included the Educational Leadership Scale for Nursing Students, the Nurse Competence Scale, and the Student Time Management Scale. All instruments were translated into Arabic and validated for the study population. Data were analyzed using correlation and mediation analysis to assess the relationships between variables.ResultsThe study revealed that nursing students’ educational leadership is strongly associated with both their competencies (r = .504, P < .001) and time management skills (r = .238, P < .001), while competencies also showed a moderate positive correlation with time management (r = .394, P < .001). Age, academic year, and family income were significantly associated with differences in educational leadership, competencies, and time management. Moreover, structural equation modeling showed that time management had a significant direct effect on both educational leadership (B = 0.411, P < .001) and competencies (B = 0.024, P < .001), while educational leadership significantly influenced competencies (B = 0.48, P < .001). Importantly, educational leadership mediated the indirect effect of time management on competencies (B = 0.567, P < .001).ConclusionEducational leadership plays a mediating role in the relationship between time management and nursing competence, highlighting the importance of leadership development in nursing education programs. Nursing curricula should incorporate leadership training to improve students’ time management skills and competencies, ultimately enhancing their preparedness for professional practice.ImplicationNursing curricula should prioritize the integration of leadership development and time management skills into both theoretical coursework and clinical practice. To achieve this, actionable leadership training strategies could include the implementation of structured leadership workshops and seminars that focus on key competencies such as communication, decision-making, conflict resolution, and team management.Clinical trial numberNot applicable.

Impacts of Perceived Discrimination During the COVID-19 Pandemic on Depression Among Older Chinese Immigrants in Aotearoa New Zealand.

Racial discrimination against Chinese immigrants to various countries worldwide has risen sharply during the COVID-19 pandemic, but limited research exists regarding the pathways through which racial discrimination impacts older immigrants' mental health. This study explored the relationship of perceived discrimination to depression among older Chinese immigrants living in Aotearoa New Zealand, through pathways of chronic health conditions, language barriers, and COVID-19 risks while taking into account the effects of anxiety and loneliness. Descriptive and regression analysis was conducted from a convenience sample of 1159 older Chinese immigrants aged between 55 and 80. While there was no significant direct effect of perceived discrimination to depression, the results showed a significant indirect effect of perceived discrimination, chronic illnesses, COVID-19 risks, and language barriers on depression, which was mediated by anxiety and loneliness. Ageing policies and interventions must address anti-racism to reduce the social and health inequalities faced by older ethnic people.

Organizational Learning and Performance in Nepal’s Banking Sector

This study explores the relationship between organizational learning and organizational performance within Nepal’s commercial banking sector. It specifically examines four key dimensions of organizational learning—continuous learning, benchmarking, empowerment, and teamwork—and their influence on performance outcomes. A quantitative, cross-sectional research design was adopted, utilizing structured questionnaires administered to 155 entry-level employees from four major banks in Kathmandu. Data analysis was conducted using descriptive statistics, correlation, and regression techniques. The results indicate that empowerment exerts the most substantial positive impact on organizational performance, followed by teamwork and continuous learning. Conversely, benchmarking was found to have no significant direct effect on performance. These findings underscore the importance of cultivating a learning-oriented organizational culture that prioritizes employee empowerment and collaboration to drive improved performance outcomes in the banking sector.

Impact of an interoception intervention on posttraumatic stress disorder in military service members: The role of the acceptance of internal sensations

Abstract Posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) is a debilitating condition that disproportionately impacts service members (SMs). Interoception interventions that target malleable, transdiagnostic risk factors for PTSD, such as the acceptance of uncomfortable internal sensations, may serve as potential options for military providers. The current study evaluated the efficacy of Reconnecting to Internal Sensations and Experiences (RISE)—an empirically supported interoception training focused on accepting and managing internal sensations—in reducing PTSD symptom severity. Active‐duty SMs and veterans (N = 100) with probable PTSD were randomized to receive RISE or Healthy Habits (active control). Participants completed four weekly 30‐min training modules, as well as survey assessments (PTSD symptom severity, not worrying/acceptance of uncomfortable internal sensations) at baseline, posttreatment, and 1‐month follow‐up. Mediation analysis evidenced a significant direct effect of RISE on improvements in not worrying/acceptance at posttreatment, B = 0.51, and not worrying/acceptance on reductions in PTSD symptom severity at follow‐up, B = −3.76. Despite no direct effect of condition on PTSD symptoms, B = 2.66, a significant indirect effect was observed through improvements in not worrying/acceptance, B = −1.91, such that RISE led to increased not worrying/acceptance, which, in turn, was associated with decreases in PTSD symptom severity. These findings support acceptance of internal sensations as a key mechanism of change for improving PTSD. Further, the results provide preliminary evidence for RISE as a viable PTSD treatment supplement for SMs and provide preliminary support for the use of transdiagnostic tools developed with considerations for military cultural stigma and logistical concerns.

The Impact of Service Quality and Accessibility on Customer Loyalty: The Mediating role of Customer Satisfaction

This study aims to examine the influence of service quality and service accessibility on customer loyalty, with customer satisfaction as a mediating variable. The research was conducted at RSUD dr. Chasbullah Abdulmadjid, Bekasi City, focusing on outpatients using clinical laboratory services with general or private payment schemes. Data were collected through structured questionnaires from 210 respondents selected using purposive sampling, based on criteria such as being at least 18 years old and having used the laboratory service at least once in the past year. The analytical method employed is Structural Equation Modeling with Partial Least Squares (SEM-PLS) to assess both direct and indirect effects among variables. The results show that service quality significantly affects both customer satisfaction and loyalty, and customer satisfaction is confirmed to mediate the relationship between service quality and loyalty. Meanwhile, service accessibility has a significant direct effect on customer loyalty but does not significantly influence customer satisfaction, nor is it mediated through satisfaction. These findings highlight the dominant role of service quality in driving satisfaction and loyalty, while accessibility contributes to loyalty more directly. Hospitals and service providers are encouraged to prioritize service quality while maintaining adequate accessibility, adopting a comprehensive strategy to enhance the overall patient experience and foster sustainable customer loyalty.

Enhancing MSME Financial Performance Through Strategic Capabilities: The Mediating Role of Managerial Decision-Making

Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs) are vital to economic growth but often face challenges in financial sustainability and decision-making effectiveness. This study aims to examine how financial literacy, accounting technology utilization, and entrepreneurial orientation influence MSME financial performance, with managerial decision-making as a mediating variable. Using a quantitative research design, data were collected from 222 MSMEs in Makassar City through structured questionnaires and analyzed using Structural Equation Modeling with SmartPLS. The results reveal that accounting technology utilization and entrepreneurial orientation have significant direct effects on financial performance. Financial literacy, while not directly associated with financial outcomes, significantly influences performance through managerial decision-making. This mediating role highlights that the strategic application of financial knowledge is more impactful than financial literacy alone. Conversely, technology and entrepreneurial behavior tend to bypass structured decision-making processes, indicating a need for better integration of these capabilities into managerial frameworks. These findings contribute to existing knowledge by integrating cognitive, technological, and behavioral factors into a unified performance model. The study emphasizes that empowering decision-making capacities enhances the value of internal resources. Policymakers and business advisors are encouraged to adopt holistic development strategies that combine literacy, digital tools, and strategic judgment to strengthen MSME competitiveness.

The impact of engagement metrics overwhelms the influence of online disinhibition

Clicking on the Like and Dislike buttons on social media has become an important channel for social engagement. This study examined the influence of online disinhibition and engagement metrics on Internet users’ attitude expressions via clicking Like and Dislike. Initially, a preliminary study was conducted, wherein participants engaged with a fictitious thread and clicked Like or Dislike on each post. We recorded the Likes and Dislikes each post received, which served as engagement metrics. In Study 1, an updated thread was introduced, displaying these metrics alongside the Like and Dislike buttons. The results indicated that engagement metrics had a significant impact on attitude expressions, while online disinhibition had no significant direct or moderating effects. Study 2 explored scenarios with these metrics reversed, again finding that the influence of online disinhibition remained insignificant. These findings underscore the importance of considering situational factors when applying the online disinhibition effect to understand online behavior.