Effects of internet users' perception regarding the risks and benefits of the internet on cyberspace trust

Abstract

The paper is an exploratory research concerning information trust on cyberspace. The research question is presented as, "How do individuals' perceptions regarding the benefits and risks of the internet affect their trust in cyberspace?" Dependent variables used in the study consisted of trust in online information. Explanatory variables consisted of sociodemographic characteristics (gender, age, education level, income level, employment status), internet usage pattern (frequency of use, online behavior, means of getting online), and perception of the internet (benefits, risks, attitude towards the online environment, internet ethics). Positive perception including perception of the benefits of the internet, positive expectation for online environment, and online ethics contributed more significantly to cyberspace trust than more than negative view of the internet or negative expectation for the internet.