Aggregated trustworthiness: Redefining online credibility through social validation

Authors

  • Johan Jessen IT University of Copenhagen
  • Anker Helms Jørgensen

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.5210/fm.v17i1.3731

Keywords:

credibility, trust, social media, theory

Abstract

This article investigates the impact of social dynamics on online credibility. Empirical studies by Pettingill (2006) and Hargittai, et al. (2010) suggest that social validation and online trustees play increasingly important roles when evaluating credibility online. This dynamic puts pressure on the dominant theory of online credibility presented by Fogg and Tseng (1999). To remedy this problem we present a new theory we call “aggregated trustworthiness” based on social dynamics and online navigational practices.

Author Biographies

Johan Jessen, IT University of Copenhagen

Johan Jessen (M.Sc., IT University of Copenhagen) has studied online trust and credibility at the Department of Communication at Stanford University in 2009-2010 and is attributing author to Howard Rheingold's book on digital literacy (in press). Direct comments to juje [at] itu [dot] com

Anker Helms Jørgensen

Associate Professor at the IT University of Copenhagen with a primary research interest in human-computer interaction.

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Published

2011-12-27

How to Cite

Jessen, J., & Jørgensen, A. H. (2011). Aggregated trustworthiness: Redefining online credibility through social validation. First Monday, 17(1). https://doi.org/10.5210/fm.v17i1.3731

Issue

Volume 17, Number 1 - 2 January 2012

Section

Articles

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