张 海

(嘉兴学院南湖学院 嘉兴 314001)

A Qualitative Study on the Formation Mechanism of Internet Users' Information Cocoons Based on Grounded Theory

Zhang Hai

(Nanhu College, Jiaxing University, Jiaxing 314001)

Abstract:[Purpose/Significance]This study aims to clarify the formation mechanism and operation mechanism of network users' information cocoon, prevent the emergence of social phenomenon of group polarization, and promote the harmonious development of society from the perspective of information.[Method/Process]According to the depth interviews, the original interview data were obtained, and the interview texts were coded by using the method of grounded theory. Combined with the information ecology theory, the research model of the formation mechanism of network users' information cocoon was obtained.[Result/Conclusion]The results show that information human factors, information factors, information technology factors and information environment factors are the important influencing factors in the formation of network users' information cocoon. Finally, from the perspective of preventing the formation of information cocoon, the countermeasures and suggestions are put forward to improve the information literacy of network users, optimize information technology and improve the information environment.

Keywords:information cocoon; formation mechanism; qualitative research; grounded theory; information ecology; information technology

0 引 言

互联网时代，用户可以通过不同的网络媒介自由地获取海量信息。在面对浩如烟海的信息时，如何能够快速找到自己需要的信息又成为网络用户面临的新难题。信息技术和算法推荐技术的飞速发展，已经能够实现用户需求和个性化信息的高效匹配。譬如不同网络用户同时打开同一款手机新闻APP，很可能100个网络用户会看到100种不同的新闻主页。信息提供商可以根据用户的兴趣，为每位用户量身定制个性化的信息服务[1]。这种个性化的信息服务极大地满足了网络用户的信息需求，受到网络用户的欢迎。与此同时，网络用户长期享受个性化的信息推送服务，很可能会造成信息来源和信息渠道的窄化和固化，很可能会错过一些不感兴趣但是很有价值的信息。长时间沉浸在同质化的信息世界中，接触不到异质信息，很容易出现信息茧房效应。信息茧房很可能会导致网络用户的价值观念不断强化，难以与异质价值观念群体的沟通、交流。从长远角度看，很可能会导致群体极化、社会分化等社会问题出现，对于社会的融合发展、人类命运共同体的构建造成严重威胁。而解决此问题的关键在于关注网络用户的信息行为，尤其是网络用户的信息茧房效应，厘清网络用户信息茧房的形成机制和运行机理，从用户信息行为的视角，预防网络用户信息茧房形成，促进不同群体之间的融合发展，进而实现整个社会的和谐发展。……