Cognitive pathways from information overload and need for cognition to information verification on social networking sites

Purpose This research examines users’ information verification on social networking sites (SNS), a key defense against misinformation. Drawing on protection motivation theory (PMT) and cognitive load theory (CLT), it investigates the cognitive appraisal mechanisms through which situational and dispositional factors, specifically information overload and need for cognition (NFC), influence verification behavior. Design/methodology/approach The present research adopts a multi-method quantitative approach involving a cross-sectional survey (n = 231) and a within-subjects scenario-based experiment (n = 300) in the healthcare context. Study 1 uses structural equation modeling, while Study 2 applies multivariate and repeated-measures general linear models and hierarchical regression to examine how information overload and NFC shape users’ threat and coping appraisals and their subsequent information verification on SNS. Findings The results show that information overload exerts dual effects: it increases the perceived severity of the misinformation threat on SNS, motivating users to verify information, while simultaneously elevating the perceived cost of information verification, thereby discouraging it. The findings further demonstrate that NFC promotes verification behavior by strengthening users’ coping appraisals. Social implications By revealing how contextual strain and cognitive traits influence verification behavior, this research supports broader information governance efforts aimed at promoting responsible digital engagement and building societal resilience to misinformation. Originality/value This research offers a novel integration of PMT and CLT to explain information verification behavior on SNS. It uncovers the dual psychological pathways through which information overload can both hinder and promote verification. It further highlights NFC as a cognitive trait shaping users’ engagement in verification as a coping response to the misinformation threat.