Explore the Effects of Information Quality, Source Credibility, and Reputation on User's Attitude: Weibo Case

Weibo, a predominant social media platform in China, facilitates the sharing of multimedia content like images, videos, and hyperlinks. Utilizing the Elaboration Likelihood Model (ELM) as the underpinning framework, this study investigates the effects of Weibo's information quality, source credibility, and reputation on users’ attitudes. Structured equation modeling was incorporated to authenticate and validate the proposed research model. Empirical data analysis from a sample size of 206 demonstrates a positive correlation between information quality and source credibility with user attitudes whereas reputation yielded no significant impact. These findings present valuable insights into Weibo's user dynamics from a Chinese perspective, notably in shaping user attitudes. From a practical standpoint, this research offers valuable guidance to social media developers and managers for optimizing platform management. Ensuring clarity, accuracy, and currency in the disseminated content, and encouraging users to contribute high-quality and credible content could cultivate their positive attitude toward the platform, positively affecting their behavior.