Understanding Web Credibility: A Synthesis of the Research Literature*

Jonathan Lazar
Department of Computer and Information Sciences, Universal Usability Laboratory, Towson University, Towson, MD 21252 USA, jlazar@towson.edu

Gabriele Meiselwitz
Department of Computer and Information Sciences, Universal Usability Laboratory, Towson University, Towson, MD 21252 USA, gmeiselwitz@towson.edu

Jinjuan Feng
Department of Computer and Information Sciences, Universal Usability Laboratory, Towson University, Towson, MD 21252 USA, jfeng@towson.edu

SUGGESTED CITATION:
Jonathan Lazar, et al (2007) "Understanding Web Credibility: A Synthesis of the Research Literature",
Foundations and Trends® in Human-Computer Interaction : Vol. 1: No 2, pp 139-202.
http:/dx.doi.org/10.1561/1100000007

Abstract

As more of our communication, commerce, and personal data goes online, credibility becomes an increasingly important issue. How do we determine if our e-commerce sites, our healthcare sites, or our online communication partners are credible? This paper examines the research literature in the area of web credibility. This review starts by examining the cognitive foundations of credibility. Other sections of the paper examine not only the general credibility of web sites, but also online communication, such as e-mail, instant messaging, and online communities. Training and education, as well as future issues (such as CAPTCHAs and phishing), will be addressed. The implications for multiple populations (users, web developers, browser designers, and librarians) will be discussed.