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

Abstract 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 informati...

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Bibliographic Details
Main Authors: Xuqing Bai, Shuailei Lian, XiaoJun Sun, Gengfeng Niu, Jingjing Liu
Format: Article
Language:English
Published: BMC 2025-07-01
Series:BMC Psychology
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Online Access:https://doi.org/10.1186/s40359-025-03062-8
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Summary:Abstract 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.
ISSN:2050-7283