1. Mothers 'Google It Up:' Extending Communication Channel Behavior in Diffusion of Innovations Theory
- Author
-
Beth Sundstrom
- Subjects
Adult ,Health (social science) ,Adolescent ,Health Behavior ,Mothers ,050801 communication & media studies ,Interpersonal communication ,Mass communication ,Interviews as Topic ,Young Adult ,03 medical and health sciences ,0508 media and communications ,0302 clinical medicine ,Humans ,Mass Media ,030212 general & internal medicine ,Sociology ,Health Education ,Health communication ,Mass media ,Internet ,business.industry ,Communication ,05 social sciences ,Public relations ,New media ,Interpersonal ties ,Health Communication ,Diffusion of Innovation ,business ,Social psychology ,Postpartum period ,Qualitative research - Abstract
This study employed qualitative methods, conducting 44 in-depth interviews with biological mothers of newborns to understand women's perceptions and use of new media, mass media, and interpersonal communication channels in relation to health issues. Findings contribute to theoretical and practical understandings of the role of communication channels in diffusion of innovations theory. In particular, this study provides a foundation for the use of qualitative research to advance applications of diffusion of innovations theory. Results suggest that participants resisted mass media portrayals of women's health. When faced with a health question, participants uniformly started with the Internet to "Google it up." Findings suggest new media comprise a new communication channel with new rules, serving the functions of both personal and impersonal influence. In particular, pregnancy and the postpartum period emerged as a time when campaign planners can access women in new ways online. As a result, campaign planners could benefit from introducing new ideas online and capitalizing on the strength of weak ties favored in new media. Results expand the innovativeness/needs paradox in diffusion of innovations theory by elaborating on the role of new media to reach underserved populations. These findings provide an opportunity to better understand patient information seeking through the lens of diffusion of innovations theory.
- Published
- 2015