Abstract
This qualitative research synthesis of empirical studies, integrated by a theoretical perspective, focuses on the societal and personal factors influencing digital health communication by individuals. In a process-oriented perspective, it analyzes how Internet users interact with online health information by seeking, receiving, interpreting, and using online health content with varying complexity, utility value, and credibility. The reception process, based on user parameters such as information needs, perceived benefits and costs, digital literacy, and trust, is influencing in a second-step health-related knowledge, attitudes, and behavioral intentions of Internet users and stimulates overt health-oriented behavior.
Bonfadelli, Heinz