Expectations of social networking site users who share and acquire health-related information

Abstract Researchers in the public health and the management information systems fields have attempted to improve understanding of the intentions of people who use social networking sites (e.g., Facebook and blogs) to share and acquire health-related information. The aim of this study was to identify factors (e.g., opportunities for socializing and self-improvement of health) that affect the performance expectations of people who use social networking sites for this purpose. The analytical framework was the theory of planned behavior. Data from a survey of 203 active Facebook users in Taiwan revealed that both attitude and subjective norms were significantly associated with behavioral intention. Additionally, behavioral intention significantly affected health-related information sharing and acquisition. Finally, health-related information sharing and acquisition significantly affected socializing activity, but health-related self-improvement did not. The theoretical and practical implications of this study are discussed.

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