Understanding WeChat Users’ Behavior of Sharing Social Crisis Information

ABSTRACT

Owing to the rapid development of social media technologies and the prevalence of mobile devices, social media have introduced to modern society a brand new communication platform, where various types of information are created and shared. Here, we explored the motivations of people sharing social crisis information through WeChat, one of the world’s most popular social media platforms, and identified the motivating factors that influence their sharing behavior. We proposed and examined a research model based on the theory of planned behavior, the theory of use and gratification, and the theory of prosocial behavior to better analyze and understand the WeChat users’ social crisis information sharing behavior. To test this model, we developed a study using a sample of 365 surveys collected from WeChat users. We found that in general, they share social crisis information not for entertainment, but for obtaining information from others’ comments, socializing with others, or simply completing their social media routines. Moreover, we found that habit, status seeking and reciprocity positively affect WeChat users’ attitudes towards the behavior. We also found status seeking, socializing, and reciprocity positively affect their perceived subjective norm about the behavior. In addition, it was found that consistent with the framework of the planned behavior theory, the attitude, subjective norm, and perceived behavioral control affect WeChat users’ behavioral intention significantly within the context of social crisis information sharing. This article presents a new conceptual model to explain WeChat users’ sharing behavior with regards to social crisis information, and illustrates multiple variables that affect their motivations. Our findings contribute overall to a better understanding of WeChat users’ social crisis information sharing behavior and provide important practical implications for the scientific and reasonable management of crisis information dissemination.

Additional information

Notes on contributors

Yang Chen

Yang Chen is an assistant professor of the college of humanity and social science, Harbin Institute of Technology (Shenzhen). Her current research focus is on human computer interaction, communication, social media, serious games, and gamification studies.

Chulu Liang

Chulu Liang is an associate professor and associate dean of the college of humanity and social science, Harbin Institute of Technology (Shenzhen). Her research includes cross-culture communication, linguistics, and mass communication.

Danqing Cai

Danqing Cai is a researcher at Huawei Technologies, China. Her research focus is mainly about cross-culture communication, social media, and human computer interaction.