Credibility and Validity of Forward Messages in IM Apps: Analysis based on a Longitudinal Study

IM is short for instant Messenger, which is a platform which allows sending message directly from one person to another. IM is a program that connects users to the Internet or network to send text messages. There are two kinds of instant messaging software - application based and Web based. Application based instant messaging software is downloaded and installed on user's computer. Most of the IM apps facilitate Group Chat, Screen sharing, Video chat, Virus protection and account customization. But at the other end the chance for creating errors in the messages are high. As it is immediate, there have no time to reflect on the message that sending, unlike an email where sender can review the draft before sending. Especially the credibility and validity of the contents in the forward messages are always questionable. How to assess the information credibility on IM platform has become a major issue for today information consumers. In spite of its importance, a few researches has empirically examined what factors influence the information credibility and validity on IM platforms, which limits our understanding of the elements of online information assessment. To fill this gap, this study examines the factors that influence individuals? perceived information credibility on Instant Messenger apps.