Wechat Discontinuation Intention Analysis: How Fatigue Acts as a Moderator between Information Irrelevance, Information Overload, and Communication Overload

Abstract

The present study aims to examine the association between the intention to discontinue the use of WeChat and three primary factors, namely information irrelevance, information overload, and communication overload. Furthermore, it investigates the moderating influence of fatigue on this association. WeChat, a widely utilized instant messaging application, provides a plethora of features and an extensive array of information, thereby potentially inducing overwhelming experiences among its users. The inclusion of extraneous information on WeChat has a detrimental impact on its effectiveness, as excessive amounts of information and communication can result in cognitive overload and reduced user satisfaction. This study posits that fatigue, which arises from extended exposure to excessive stimuli, serves as a moderator in the association between the aforementioned factors and users' intentions to cease using WeChat. Gaining a comprehensive understanding of the role that fatigue plays as a moderator is of utmost importance for developers and designers in order to effectively enhance user experiences and minimize intentions of discontinuation. Through the implementation of a thorough analysis, the primary objective of this study is to offer significant and valuable insights into the intricate dynamics surrounding the discontinuation of WeChat. By doing so, this research aims to contribute to the advancement of strategies that effectively enhance user satisfaction and mitigate intentions of discontinuation.