An Inner Superhero: Experiments on Information Sharing in Anonymous Virtual Communities

In anonymous settings, the expectation of social benefits from information sharing is traditionally low, as public recognition is absent. However, numerous virtual communities witness active information exchange under anonymous aliases. This study examines the role of feedback mechanisms along with...

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Bibliographic Details
Published inJing ji lun wen cong kan Vol. 52; no. 1; pp. 49 - 76
Main Authors Sanchez-Loor, Daniel A, Chang, Wei-Shiun, Zambrano-Monserrate, Manuel A
Format Journal Article
LanguageEnglish
Published Taipei Taiwan Economic Review 01.03.2024
Subjects
Access to information
Collaboration
Feedback
Information sharing
Innovations
Social distancing
Virtual communities
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Summary:In anonymous settings, the expectation of social benefits from information sharing is traditionally low, as public recognition is absent. However, numerous virtual communities witness active information exchange under anonymous aliases. This study examines the role of feedback mechanisms along with two factors - competition and social distance - on information sharing. Our experimental study, controlling reciprocity and anonymity, reveals that feedback mechanisms and reduced social distance promote information sharing, particularly positive feedback. The effectiveness of the feedback mechanism in these conditions can be explained by the self-verification theory, where sharing becomes a positive reinforcement of self-image. Our findings about information sharing offer relevant insights for firms aiming to enhance innovation and collaboration.
ISSN:1018-3833
DOI:10.6277/TER.202401_52(l).0002