The relationship between information hoarding and selective exposure: the role of information overload, identity bubble reinforcement, and intolerance of uncertainty.

BACKGROUND

While related studies have examined the influencing factors of information hoarding, relatively little research focused on its potential consequences (e.g., selective exposure). Based on the information ecosystem theory, this study investigated the relationships between information hoarding, information overload, identity bubble reinforcement, intolerance of uncertainty, and selective exposure.

METHODS

Using a cross-sectional survey design, we tested the proposed model with a final sample of 717 valid responses.

RESULTS

The findings showed that information hoarding was positively associated with selective exposure, that information overload and identity bubble reinforcement mediated this relationship, respectively. In addition, intolerance of uncertainty acted as a moderator between information hoarding and selective exposure, as well as between information overload and selective exposure.

CONCLUSION

These findings not only enhance our understanding of how information hoarding relates to selective exposure, but also provide recommendations for individuals and platform managers to mitigate selective exposure.