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Existing communication models and definitions of interactivity provide both background and structure for a new model of cyber-interactivity that is introduced and explored in this article. Two primary dimensions, direction of communication and level of receiver control over the communication process, provide the primary framework for this new model of computer-mediated cyber-interactivity. A study designed to explore the applicability of this model analyzed 108 health-related websites using both perception-based and feature-based measures of these two dimensions. No significant correlation was found between the perception-based and feature-based models. The perception-based model was a better predictor of attitude toward the website and perceived relevance of the subject of the website than the feature-based model. However, the feature-based model may hold greater promise as a tool for website developers who seek to incorporate appropriate levels of interactivity in their websites. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Examines the level of interactivity at health-related sites on the Internet. Web sites of nonprofit organizations which utilize interactive capacity; Web sites of for-profit organizations which do not use interactive capacity; Health communication; Uses of computer-mediated communication; Interactivity and content classifications of site creators.