Skip to Main Content
 

Global Search Box

 
 
 
 

Files

File List


Seely_Thesis.pdf (443.07 KB)

ETD Abstract Container

Abstract Header

Social Indicators in Online News Environments: The Influence of Bandwagon Cues on News Perceptions

Seely, Natalee
http://rave.ohiolink.edu/etdc/view?acc_num=osu1397729796

Abstract Details

2014, Master of Arts, Ohio State University, Communication.
This study examines the role of social cues, such as rating systems and aggregate opinion indicators, on perceptions of online news credibility, quality and article sharing behavior. Additionally, the personality trait fear of social isolation was examined as a possible moderator. Social impact theory, the bandwagon effect and the interactive nature of online news media were used to hypothesize the effects of social cues on perceptions and intention to share news. In a 2 (high-involvement, low involvement) X 2 (positive cue, negative cue) between-subjects design, participants (N=325) were given a pre-test to measure fear of social isolation followed by a post-test which included a simulated Associated Press online news article about either college student loan interest rates (high involvement) or pre-kindergarten funding (low-involvement) with either positive or negative social cues. Significant effects were found regarding quality perceptions and willingness to share the news article.
Erik Nisbet (Advisor)
David DeAndrea (Committee Member)
55 p.
Communication
bandwagon cues; online news; social indicators; social impact theory; public opinion

Recommended Citations

Citations

  • Seely, N. (2014). Social Indicators in Online News Environments: The Influence of Bandwagon Cues on News Perceptions [Master's thesis, Ohio State University]. OhioLINK Electronic Theses and Dissertations Center. http://rave.ohiolink.edu/etdc/view?acc_num=osu1397729796

    APA Style (7th edition)

  • Seely, Natalee. Social Indicators in Online News Environments: The Influence of Bandwagon Cues on News Perceptions. 2014. Ohio State University, Master's thesis. OhioLINK Electronic Theses and Dissertations Center, http://rave.ohiolink.edu/etdc/view?acc_num=osu1397729796.

    MLA Style (8th edition)

  • Seely, Natalee. "Social Indicators in Online News Environments: The Influence of Bandwagon Cues on News Perceptions." Master's thesis, Ohio State University, 2014. http://rave.ohiolink.edu/etdc/view?acc_num=osu1397729796

    Chicago Manual of Style (17th edition)

osu1397729796
1,694
© 2014, all rights reserved.
This open access ETD is published by The Ohio State University and OhioLINK.