Mediation of information overload in the relationship between information-seeking and digital well-being: An exploratory study

This article examined the digital well-being of citizens during a time of conflict and explored the relationships between citizens’ information-seeking behaviour, information overload and digital well-being. The study adopted a quantitative approach, collecting data through an adapted questionnaire distributed on social media. The researchers utilised the snowball sampling technique. A total of 155 respondents completed the copies of the questionnaire. The results show a positive correlation between information-seeking behaviour and information overload, as well as an unexpected positive correlation between information overload and digital well-being. This finding contrasts with previous studies that suggest a negative correlation between information overload and subjective well-being in both regular and crisis times. Furthermore, the results of the path analysis revealed that information overload serves as a mediator between information needs, information barriers and digital well-being. Individuals are advised to find a personal balance in managing information overload to enhance their digital well-being.