Some antecedents and effects of trust in virtual communities

This study explores several downstream effects of trust in virtual communities and the antecedents of trust in this unique type of environment. The data, applying an existing scale to measure two dimensions of trust (ability and benevolence/integrity), show that trust had a downstream effect on members' intentions to both give information and get information through the virtual community. Both these apparent dimensions of trust were increased through perceived responsive relationships in the virtual community, by a general disposition to trust, and by the belief that others confide personal information.