Individuals may contribute valuable information because the act results in a [[Self-efficacy]], that is, a sense that they are capable of achieving their desired outcome and have some effect on this environment - [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Online_participation#Sense_of_efficacy wikipedia] 


There is well-developed research literature that has shown how important a person's sense of efficacy is (e.g. [[Albert Bandura]] 1995). 


Studies have shown that increasing the user's sense of efficacy boosts their [[intrinsic motivation]] and therefore makes them more likely to stay in an online community. According to Wang and Fesenmaier's research, efficacy is the biggest factor in affecting active contribution online. 


Of the many sub-factors, it was discovered that "satisfying other members' needs" is the biggest reason behind the increase of efficacy in a member followed by "being helpful to others" (Wang and Fesenmaier). 


Features such as the task progress bars and an attempt to reduce some difficulty of completing a general task can easily enhance the feeling of self-worth in the community. "Creating immersive experiences with clear goals, feedback and challenge that exercise peoples' skills to the limits but still leave them in control causes the experiences to be intrinsically interesting. 


Positive but constructive and sincere feedbacks also produce similar effects and increase motivation to complete more tasks. A competitive setting—which may or may not have been intended to be competitive can also increase a person's self-esteem if quality performance is assumed" (Kraut 2012)).

# See also

- [[Motivations]]
- [[Online participation]]