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Investigation of information sharing via multiple social media platforms: a comparison of Facebook and WeChat adoption

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Abstract

This study evaluates different antecedents affecting information sharing via multiple social media platforms on a large scale. In doing so, this research compares the effects of information sharing behavior factors via Facebook and WeChat adoption. The respondents were international students studying in two Chinese universities and are the frequent users of both social media platforms. At first, quantity data has been collected through an online survey. Second, in-depth interviews were conducted to get qualitative data. To test our model and hypotheses multigroup analysis and content analysis were used. All exogenous variables such as perceived usefulness (PU), perceived ease of use (PEOU), Technological innovation (INNO) and information sharing attitude (ATT) have a positive effect on information sharing behavior (BEH). In addition, the results indicated no difference effects of PU and ATT via multiple social media platforms (WeChat and Facebook). However the effect of PEOU on information sharing attitude varied via social media platforms (WeChat and Facebook). The author found positive and stronger relationship between PEOU and ATT which is significant for Facebook only. On the other hand, the positive relationship between INNO and ATT is significant and stronger for WeChat only. We found the least research about information sharing behavior via multiple social media platforms. Besides, this study describes the patterns of information sharing on Facebook and WeChat, simultaneously.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. School of Management, Jilin University, No 5888, Renmin Road, Changchun City, 130022, Jilin Province, China

    Muhammad Riaz

  2. School of Management Engineering, Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, China

    Sherani

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Appendix

Appendix

Constructs/items

1 Perceived Usefulness (PU) (Wamba et al. 2017). Extemely disagree (1)- Extremely Agree (7)

  1. Whenever i share any information on Facebook/WeChat it will present my effectiveness

  2. Content shared on social media platforms (Facebook/WeChat) will improve my level of knowledge

  3. Sharing information on social media platforms (Facebook/WeChat) improves my work performance

  4. Sharing information, pictures and videos on Facebook/WeChat offers me enough advantages

2 Perceived Ease Of Use (PEOU) (Liebana-Cabanillas et al. 2017; Agag and El-Masry 2016) Extremely disagree (1)- Extremely Agree (7)

  1. Sharing videos, pictures and other data on is social media (Facebook/WeChat) is so simple

  2. My participation and interaction with my friends via Facebook/WeChat is clear and understandable

  3. It need less efforts to share content on Facebook/WeChat

  4. With the help of social media platform (Facebook/WeChat), i can easily share information and communicate with others

  5. Whatever and whenever i want to share, Mostly i share on social media platfroms (Facebook/WeChat)

3 Technological Innovations (INNO) (Hong-Lei and Young-Chan 2017; Zolkepli and Kamarulzaman 2015). Extemely disagree (1)- Extremely Agree (7)

  1. Social media platform (Facebook/WeChat) for information sharing suits with all aspects of my life style

  2. Due to up-to-date (Facebook/WeChat) services, i can share anything with my friends in a limited time

  3. Social media platform (facebook/WeChat) fits well with the way, i like to share information, pictures and other content

  4. Instead of other alternatives I would prefer social media platform (Facebook/WeChat) to share videos and other content

  5. Using social media platform (facebook/WeChat) for information sharing is well-matched with my current situation

4 Information Sharing Attitude (ATT) (Amaro and Duarte 2015) Extemely disagree (1)- Extremely Agree (7)

  1. It would be a great idea to share information, knowledge and other content via social media platform (Facebook/WeChat)

  2. I like to share pictures, information and videos through Facebook/WeChat.

  3. Generally i have optimistic and positive approach towards social media (Facebook/WeChat) for sharing content and information.

  4. I feel comfortable in sharing my ideas with friends and relatives through social media platfroms (Facebook/WeChat)

5 Information Sharing Behavior (Beh) (Shang et al. 2017) Extemely disagree (1)- Extremely Agree (7)

  1. In future, I plan to continue sharing information on social media platform (Facebook/WeChat)

  2. I will encourage my friends and relatives to use social media platform (Facebook/WeChat) for sharing useful information

  3. I frequently use social media platform (Facebook/WeChat). as a source of sharing ideas and communication

  4. I will upload pictures and other content on social media platforms (Facebook/WeChat) to share with my target people

  5. I will actively participate in group discussion on social media platforms (Facebook/WeChat) among friends and relatives

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Riaz, M., Sherani Investigation of information sharing via multiple social media platforms: a comparison of Facebook and WeChat adoption. Qual Quant 55, 1751–1773 (2021). https://doi.org/10.1007/s11135-020-01079-2

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