How do search-based and experience-based information matter in the evaluation of user satisfaction? The case of TripAdvisor

Purpose In the context of multi-sided platforms (MSPs), the authors address the evaluation of search- and experience-based information and the effect on different components of user satisfaction. Design/methodology/approach The instrument was developed by either modifying previous measures or developing new scales. The authors collected the sample of experienced 300 TripAdvisor users via online questionnaire survey of a customer panel. The structural equation modeling (SEM) package (AMOS) with the maximum likelihood estimation method was used to test the sample data. Findings Attitudes toward search-based information can foster user satisfaction with information interaction rather than user satisfaction with social interaction. Attitudes toward experience-based information can foster user satisfaction with information interaction and user satisfaction with social interaction. The motivation for information interaction is stronger than the motivation for social interaction to enhance user satisfaction with information quality. Research limitations/implications The distinction between search- and experience-based information provides different route messages to develop the attitude-driven framework of platform-enabled interactions. Practical implications The support for platform-enabled interactions to enhance the motivation for information and social interactions should be aligned with the evaluation of information quality. Originality/value The satisfaction-driven framework has been widely used to examine the post-adoption of information technologies (IT). In contrast, the attitude-driven framework was less examined in the literature. The authors develop a research model based on the attitude-driven framework to examine the platform-enabled interactions that can foster repeated intention.