Third-Person Effect, Optimistic Bias, and Sufficiency Resource in Internet Use

Abstract

This study examined the third-person effect and the optimistic bias in Internet communication and to what degree sufficiency resource affected the third-person effect and the optimistic bias. Findings demonstrated the third-person effect and the optimistic bias prevalent in traditional media use were also apparent in Internet communication but vary in their relationships with sufficiency resources and other predicting factors. There was a positive relationship between the third-person effect and the optimistic bias involving others. Two indicators of sufficiency resource, computer skill and computer knowledge, and perceived protection ability were significant predictors of the optimistic bias but not that of the third-person effect. Activeness in Internet use was positively predicted by computer knowledge and perceived benefit.