Access Denied: Patterns of consumer internet information search and the effects of internet search expertise

The Internet is said to improve the consumer?s position in relation to businesses. This is said to result from the improved accessibility of consumer information and, consequently, better decision-making. However, certain difficulties hinder the way to the improved situation. The Internet brings about completely new types of difficulty for consumers, as it is an entirely consumer-driven setting. The study argues that consumers? Internet search patterns largely determine the information to which the consumer has access. The relevance of this information is vital ? it is only used in a decision if it is perceived to match the consumer?s information needs. Access to relevant online information requires an ability to identify and choose appropriate search patterns. The focus is thus on the patterns of Internet search and Internet search expertise.