A qualitative exploration of exercise blog believability among emerging adult women

Emerging adults aged 18-30 years are a unique population who have lifelong experience with digital media. This has contributed to comfort and familiarity with using the internet as a preferred source of information in particular with regard to exercise. Previous research suggests emerging adults may be conflicted about whether or not to believe the information encountered online. The purpose of this study was to explore what aspects of an exercise blog message are believed, and which aspects contribute to personal relevance for a population of emerging adult women. Using a qualitative descriptive design, one-on-one interviews were completed by the principal investigator with ten women (M-age = 25.6 years) residing in a Western Canadian province, all of whom had or were currently attending university. All interviews were recorded and transcribed verbatim. Qualitative content analysis was used to examine and categorise the data, in line with qualitative description designs. Following data analysis, three themes emerged related to blog article believability: information relevance, selective believability, and projecting believability. Exercise blogs may provide an opportunity for some individuals to learn about and diversify personal exercise opportunities. Additionally, participants expressed concern for others, and the potential of these media to contribute to negative outcomes for individuals without prior knowledge in the health disciplines.