Effects of cognitive aging on credibility assessment of online health information

Results from a study comparing how different Web contents and features influence younger and older adults' credibility assessment are reported. Results were in general consistent with the Elaboration Likelihood Model (ELM) of persuasive communication. It was found that cognitive aging differentially influences the processing of central arguments and peripheral cues (web features such as layouts, third-party endorsement). Specifically, older adults were in general worse at distinguishing between strong and weak arguments, and this effect was moderated by cognitive abilities and motivation for cognition. Results will be useful for informing designs that facilitate credibility assessment of health information for older adults.

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