Factors influencing the perceived credibility of diet-nutrition information web sites

Abstract

This study investigated the factors that influence the perceived credibility of web sites providing diet and nutrition information. Undergirded by the dual-processing models (i.e., Elaboration Likelihood Model and Heuristic Systematic Model), an online experiment (N 575) was conducted to examine how perceptions of online diet and nutrition information credibility are influenced by source expertise cues and message accuracy; the effects of prior knowledge and interest in the information also were assessed. Results showed that message accuracy increased perceived credibility of the web site regardless of the level of source expertise. However, source expertise had an important effect on website credibility perceptions among those who exhibited low prior knowledge. Finally, message accuracy had a greater impact on web site credibility among those who were highly involved in the issue compared to those who were less involved. The findings increase our understanding of the factors that impact individuals’ processing of online diet and nutrition information and suggest elements practitioners should consider including to create the most effective online sources for diet and nutrition information.