An Empirical Study of Knowledge Sharing Behavior of the SNS: A Case Study of "Sina Weibo"

Social networking services (SNS) have become a significant platform for Internet users to obtain knowledge and information. Users can share messages mutually via this platform. This kind of sharing enables users to exchange and gain useful information. However, in recent years, the crisis of stickiness has appeared in SNS, calling attention to the social network industry. Relevant professionals explain that the interest of users in sharing knowledge on SNS websites and applications may gradually decrease, eventually leading to users giving it because the platforms utilize simple and uninteresting methods to attract active participation from users. However, factors affecting the knowledge sharing on SNS websites and applications should be identified clearly through studies. Sina Weibo is one of the largest SNS platforms in the world, and studies on the factors affecting knowledge sharing of users could be valuable in addressing this issue. This paper establishes the theoretical analysis model of knowledge sharing in SNS sites and applications, analyzes the factors affecting knowledge sharing on these sites, and proposes the corresponding strategies to address the issues. Using questionnaire surveys on Sina Weibo users, this article will discuss the factors affecting knowledge sharing, and analyze these factors on SNS as well as improve the stickiness of users to achieve the aim of SNS platforms enabling the expansion of the range of users. The study will discuss theoretical foundations and the hypotheses that arise. The method of study will also be discussed. The study concludes with theoretical implications, practical implications, limitations, and future research opportunities. The results of this study could aid researchers in understanding the underlying reasons for social network activities as well as for SNS developers in improving SNS services.