Reshaping digital literacy: investigating the determinants of user intentions to identify false content in short-video platforms

This study investigates the factors influencing users’ intentions to identify false content on short-video platforms, focusing on the role of digital literacy within the framework of the Theory of Planned Behavior (TPB). A structural equation model is employed to examine the relationships among digital literacy, perceived risk, subjective norms, perceived behavioral control, identification attitude, and the intention to identify false content. The analysis reveals that digital literacy significantly impacts subjective norms, perceived behavioral control, identification intention, and perceived risk. Perceived risk positively influences subjective norms, perceived behavioral control, and identification attitude. However, identification attitude does not significantly affect identification intention. The study also explores the mediating roles of perceived risk and perceived behavioral control in the relationship between digital literacy and the intention to identify false content. The findings highlight the importance of enhancing digital literacy and risk awareness among users to combat the spread of false content on short-video platforms. This research contributes to the literature by extending the TPB framework to include digital literacy and perceived risk in the context of false content identification, offering valuable insights for platform managers, policymakers, and educators in promoting a more trustworthy online environment.