Why people use Yelp.com: An exploration of uses and gratifications

Authors:
Amy Hicks;Stephen Comp;Jeannie Horovitz;Madeline Hovarter;Maya Miki;Jennifer L. Bevan
Affiliations:
Department of Communication Studies, Chapman University, United States;Department of Communication Studies, Chapman University, United States;Department of Communication Studies, Chapman University, United States;Department of Communication Studies, Chapman University, United States;Department of Communication Studies, Chapman University, United States;Department of Communication Studies, Chapman University, United States and Department of Communication Studies and the Health and Strategic Communication M.S. Program, Chapman University, United S ...
Venue:
Computers in Human Behavior
Year:
2012

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Abstract

This study examines why individuals use the website Yelp.com from a uses and gratifications perspective. Male and female Yelp.com users who were 18 and over completed an online survey. The results of the study indicate that individuals overwhelmingly use Yelp.com for information-seeking purposes, followed by entertainment, convenience, interpersonal utility, and pass time. Further, there was an overall higher usage of each need for the readers and writers of restaurant reviews compared with readers only, suggesting more involvement for the reader and writer group. Frequency of Yelp.com usage and perceived influence of Yelp.com restaurant reviews were also positively related to the majority of motives. Theoretical and practical implications of these findings are discussed, as well as suggestions for future research.