Supporting to be Credible: Investigating Perceived Social Support as a Determinant of Perceived Credibility

Abstract

Technological systems can be equipped with persuasive design principles that influence user perceptions. For instance, earlier research showed that Perceived Social Support can influence user perceptions such as effectiveness and knowledge sharing intentions. However, to our knowledge, how Perceived Social Support affects Perceived Credibility has not been investigated. This study investigates the influence of Perceived Social Support on Perceived Credibility. A survey questionnaire was employed to gather user perceptions of social support and credibility in the context of Academic Social Networking Sites (ASNSs). Analysis using Partial Least Square Structural Equation Modeling (PLS-SEM) confirmed Perceived Social Support as a determinant of Perceived Credibility. Also, Dialogue Support and Primary Task Support were identified to be predictors of Perceived Social Support. The study recommends that designers improve the social support features (e.g., through integrating machine learning and data mining techniques).