Authors
Looi Jie Min, Leong Xue Li Alisius Deon, Abigail Chua Wen Qi, Gan Zheing Weii Damian
Supervisor
Assoc Prof Benjamin Hill Detenber
Year
2016
Abstract
This study examines how group effects of user-generated comments influence user evaluations and attitudes towards YouTube videos and their subject matter. Two main theoretical frameworks were applied in this study: the Social Identity Approach (SIA) and Social Identification/Deindividuation (SIDE) model.
This study provides an update to the earlier research conducted by Walther, DeAndrea, Kim and Anthony (2010), through addressing changes in the YouTube’s interface which now includes visually identifiable users. The study also extends Walther, DeAndrea et al.’s (2010) research by applying the SIA as an alternative way of studying social influence on YouTube platforms.
A 2 x 2 x 2 between-subjects factorial design was used in this experiment which was conducted amongst Singaporean university undergraduates (N = 317). Using a YouTube mock-up page, the research examined the interaction between a controversial video about foreign-born sporting talents (FBST) in Singapore and the accompanying user comments from ingroup (Singaporeans) and outgroup (foreigners) members.
Even though the manipulation of outgroup categorization did not work as planned, it demonstrated that user-generated comments can affect user’s evaluation of the video and attitudes towards the subject matter. Clear evidence of social identification mediating social influence within social groups was observed. Findings suggest that social identification could occur even with visual information of commenters, contrary to SIDE’s theoretical predictions.
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http://hdl.handle.net/10356/66874