“Vad blir det för mat?”-en intervjustudie om hur unga vuxna navigerar i informationsöverflödet vid val av restaurang.

Sammanfattning

In a digitalized society, everyday choices are increasingly shaped by digital media, including decisions related to food consumption and restaurant visits. Young adults are particularly active on social media and are therefore highly exposed to digital information. Based on nine semi-structured interviews with individuals aged 19-29, this study examines how young adults navigate information overload when choosing restaurants. The study also explores how needs, motives and perceived functions influence the use of different information sources, as well as how respondents reflect on source credibility. This study utilizes a theoretical framework that includes uses and gratification theory and source criticism. Through a thematic analysis, the study shows that young adults rely on a limited number of familiar digital platforms when researching restaurants, using selective media practices to manage information overload. Social needs are central, with personal recommendations valued over digital reviews, while platforms such as Google Reviews serve as a complementary role in unfamiliar situations. Decision-making is shaped by algorithmic influences and heuristic source evaluation, with visual content perceived as more credible than text. Overall, restaurant choices emerge from an interplay of social, practical and cognitive needs. The study contributes to media-use research by offering new insight into young adults' reflections on social media, and highlighting implications for future research.