Abstract: This paper examines the factors and paths that affect users' information verification behavior, in order to help users avoid disinformation on the internet and achieve self-purification of cyberspace. Based on the elaboration likelihood model(ELM), this paper uses questionnaire and structural equation model to develop the influence model of social media users’ disinformation verification behavior and conducts an empirical study on the factors that affecting users’ information verification behavior. The result shows that information simulation, information topic popularity and platform trust are the key factors on users’ affective reactions, while information relevance, information topic popularity, and media richness are the key factors on users’ perception of risk. The users’ attitudes, which include emotion and cognition are the primary determinants of users’ information verification behavior. This study can provide references for the management of social media platforms and the prevention of users’ spreading disinformation.

Key words: Disinformation, Information verification behavior, Elaboration Likelihood Model, Social media, Empirical study