Consumer control in online environments
2000
Abstract
In most traditional media environments, the main type of control available to consumers is to manipulate their own beliefs and judgments or to approach or avoid the mass media message. Indeed, most research in the consumer behavior literature studying control (cf., Greene 1988; Hui and Bateson 1991; Hoch and Loewenstein 1991; Gould 1991; Siddarth and Chattopadhyay 1998; Zufryden, Pedrick and Sankaralingam 1993) has dealt with what is called secondary control.
FAQs
AI
What explains the difference in Internet usage patterns between Internals and Externals?
The research finds that Internals engage in goal-directed Internet usage, while Externals prefer experiential activities like entertainment and socialization.
How does locus of control affect willingness to accept government regulation of Internet content?
Internals oppose government regulation of Internet content, whereas Externals, especially those believing in powerful authorities, favor regulation.
What implications does locus of control have on social engagement among Internet users?
Externals tend to substitute online interactions for real-world activities, potentially leading to social isolation, while Internals use the Web to supplement offline engagement.
When were the data for the website user survey collected?
Data were collected from October 10, 1998, to December 15, 1998, during the 10th WWW User Survey.
How do Externals’ beliefs in control affect their Internet search behavior?
Externals exhibit a tendency toward nondirected online searching, driven more by escape than by informational goals, contrasting with Internals' goal-focused searches.
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