The purpose of the present study was to test the effects of the characteristics of word of
mouth information on word of mouth effects through synonymy, usefulness, and reliability.
Facebook participants were chosen as a representative population of users of social
networking services(SNS’s) in Korea.
The proposed study model was set through overall theoretical contemplation and showed
acceptable material suitability. The results of verification revealed several important facts
related to the effects of the characteristics of word of mouth information on word of mouth
effects through synonymy, usefulness, and reliability.
First, the t values showed that generally stronger effects occurred for positive word of
mouth information than for negative word of mouth information.
Second, the usefulness of positive word of mouth had a positive effect on word of mouth
effects, but the usefulness of negative word of mouth negatively affected word of mouth
effects.
Third, the reliability of positive word of mouth positively affected word of mouth effects,
but the reliability of negative word of mouth information had no effect on word of mouth
effects.
Fourth, for factors other than synonymy, usefulness, and reliability, positive and negative
word of mouth information had very similar characteristics and effects.