Exploring the relationship between multidimensional health information overload and cyberchondria: the mediating role of rumination

Purpose With the surge in health information shared on social media, more users are attempting self-diagnosis, potentially leading to cyberchondria. Despite this trend, few studies have examined how information overload and users’ cognitive styles shape their perceptions of disease. This study investigated the mediating role of rumination in the relationship between information overload and cyberchondria. To better understand the impact of the current information environment, information overload was divided into information-seeking overload and information-encountering overload and the moderating effect of internet addiction was also explored. Design/methodology/approach A total of 602 valid responses were obtained from Chinese participants via an online survey. Data analyses to test the research hypotheses were conducted using SPSS 27.0, PROCESS Macro 4.1 and R 4.4.2. Findings The results indicated that both information-seeking overload and information-encountering overload were positively associated with cyberchondria. Rumination significantly mediated the relationship between information-encountering overload and cyberchondria, but not the relationship between information-seeking overload and cyberchondria. Furthermore, the interaction between internet addiction and information-seeking overload was negatively associated with cyberchondria. Originality/value This study broadens our understanding of the factors influencing cyberchondria by bridging the informational and cognitive dimensions. Additionally, it highlights the need to enhance the health information environment and improve users’ information processing skills to foster a more scientific approach to understanding diseases.