Norm Perceptions about Rumor Sharing on Genetically Modified Foods: The Interaction between Facebook Likes and a Refuting Comment

Health Commun. 2023 Jun;38(7):1467-1476. doi: 10.1080/10410236.2021.2012956. Epub 2021 Dec 12.

Abstract

This study investigated how normative information on Facebook (i.e., the number of Likes on a Facebook post and a refuting comment) influences one's intention to share a rumor post regarding genetically modified foods. The results of an online experiment with 630 Facebook users showed that a high number of Likes increased the intention to share the post through perceived descriptive and injunctive norms of sharing behavior. The number of Likes on the post and a refuting comment interacted to influence perceived injunctive norms about rumor sharing. A comment stating that the post is a rumor increased injunctive norm perceptions about rumor sharing when the number of Likes on the post is low.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Emotions
  • Food, Genetically Modified*
  • Humans
  • Intention
  • Social Media*