The Effect of Perceived Risk and Benefit on the Search and Sharing of Health Information by Social Network Users (Case Study: Students of the University of Tehran)

Zomorodpoush, Tannaz, Noruzi, Alireza and Fahimnia, Fatemeh The Effect of Perceived Risk and Benefit on the Search and Sharing of Health Information by Social Network Users (Case Study: Students of the University of Tehran). Iranian Journal of Information Processing and Management, 2025, vol. 40, n. 3, pp. 915-947. [Journal article (Paginated)]

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English abstract

In recent years, social networks have revolutionized the way individuals seek and share health information. Despite their numerous advantages, the adoption and participation of users in health-related discussions on social networks still face various challenges. Individuals often expect to gain benefits from using technology. However, the use of technology may not always be advantageous and often involves certain risks. Before seeking or sharing health information on social networks, healthcare consumers must evaluate whether the potential benefits outweigh the risks. Perceived benefits refer to the overall positive value of health information on social networks and include perceived usefulness, credibility, emotional support, and informational support. Conversely, perceived risk is the subjective expectation of a possible loss in the value of health information on social media, encompassing mental intangibility, privacy concerns, time commitment, and social and psychological risks. This study focuses on the role of perceived benefits and risks, along with their dimensions, in influencing users’ intentions to seek and share health information through social networks. The research employed a correlation-based applied survey method. The statistical population for this study included all students at the University of Tehran, with a determined sample size of 382. A total of 364 questionnaires were returned and analyzed using SPSS and LISREL. The results of the Structural Equation Modeling analysis indicated that nine hypotheses were confirmed while four were rejected. Overall, the findings revealed that perceived usefulness, credibility, and emotional support related positively to perceived benefits. However, no relationship was found between informational support and perceived benefits. Additionally, privacy concerns, time commitment, and psychological risk were positively associated with perceived risk. Conversely, no relationship were observed between mental intangibility or social risk and perceived risk. Furthermore, perceived benefits were positively related to the intention to seek and share health information, while perceived risk was negatively related only to the intention to seek health information

Item type: Journal article (Paginated)
Keywords: health information, seeking health information, sharing health information, social networks, perceived risk, perceived benefit, net valence model
Subjects: B. Information use and sociology of information > BH. Information needs and information requirements analysis.
Depositing user: Dr. Alireza Noruzi
Date deposited: 06 Nov 2026 20:06
Last modified: 06 Nov 2026 20:06
URI: http://hdl.handle.net/10760/46974

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