University of Twente Student Theses

Login

Incidental media exposure, optimism, and well-being : the association between incidental news exposure, life satisfaction, and optimism.

Lang, M.S. (2022) Incidental media exposure, optimism, and well-being : the association between incidental news exposure, life satisfaction, and optimism.

[img] PDF
589kB
Abstract:Due to social media and the increased use of the internet, everyone is almost always exposed to news, even when they are not actively looking for it. This concept is called incidental news exposure (INE). As the news is predominantly negative, exposure can result in various health consequences, especially mentally. Consequently, this study investigated whether INE is associated with life satisfaction. However, not all individuals seem to be affected to the same extent. Based on previous literature, it was hypothesized that optimism is moderating that relation. To investigate this, a cross-sectional online survey study with 327 respondents was conducted. Participants were asked to complete the online survey consisting of an item measuring INE, the Satisfaction with Life Scale, and the Life Orientation Test – revised. Contrary to the expectations, no significant association could be established. Consequently, optimism was not able to moderate the non-significant relation. However, as suggested in previous literature, it was found that optimism significantly predicts life satisfaction. As the results could have been influenced by the measuring method of INE, as well as the specific sample characteristics, future research is needed to confirm the findings. Keywords: incidental news exposure, negative news, life satisfaction, optimism
Item Type:Essay (Bachelor)
Faculty:BMS: Behavioural, Management and Social Sciences
Subject:77 psychology
Programme:Psychology BSc (56604)
Link to this item:https://purl.utwente.nl/essays/91408
Export this item as:BibTeX
EndNote
HTML Citation
Reference Manager

 

Repository Staff Only: item control page