Libraly Journal

Libraly Journal ›› 2024, Vol. 43 ›› Issue (404): 103-116.

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Influencing Factors of False Health Information Dissemination in Short Videos: A Configuration Perspective

Fu Shaoxiong1, Zeng Yuanlai1, Sun Lan1, Deng Shengli2 (1 College of Information  Management, Nanjing Agricultural University; 2 School of Information Management, Wuhan University)   

  • Online:2024-12-15 Published:2024-12-30
  • About author:Fu Shaoxiong1, Zeng Yuanlai1, Sun Lan1, Deng Shengli2 (1 College of Information Management, Nanjing Agricultural University; 2 School of Information Management, Wuhan University)

Abstract:

As a core channel of information dissemination, short-video platforms play a crucial role in the governance of false health information, aligning with the the strategy of “Healthy China” and the concept of network security. Unlike traditional social media such as Sina Weibo and WeChat, which are predominantly graphic-based and text-based, short videos combine text, audio and image in a multimodal way, and false health information dissemination via this medium urgently needs to be studied. This research has analyzed the factors influencing users’ dissemination of short videos of false health information, providing insights for the prevention and control of misinformation and improving governance on short-video platforms. A dissemination model was constructed based on ternary interaction decision theory. Based on a combination of questionnaire surveys, regression analysis, and user interviews, fuzzy-set qualitative comparative analysis (fsQCA) was used to analyze configurations influencing the dissemination of false health information. Key factors such as users’ age, gender, health information literacy, health concerns, information risk perception, information source credibility, platform ease of use and platform service quality were found to significantly affect the spread of false health information. The fsQCA revealed 2 configurations associated with a high tendency to spread false health information in short videos, and 10 configurations associated with a low tendency to do so. These findings contribute to strategies for governing health information on short-video platforms and optimizing the information ecosystem.