University of Twente Student Theses
Believing that you can handle negative news : incidental negative news exposure on Instagram, well-being, and the moderation by self-efficacy
Bauer, J. (2022) Believing that you can handle negative news : incidental negative news exposure on Instagram, well-being, and the moderation by self-efficacy.
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| Abstract: | Instagram users are often incidentally exposed to negative news, which can cause stress and reduce well-being. Self-efficacy has been connected to lower stress levels and increased well-being, suggesting that self-efficacy might moderate the relationship between incidental negative news exposure and well-being. A pre-post experiment with a control and experimental group was conducted. 105 participants were exposed to a neutral artificial Instagram feed, which contained ten lifestyle-related posts. 106 participants were incidentally exposed to negative climate news posts in-between the neutral posts. Self-efficacy was measured with the self-efficacy subscale of the PCQ, and well-being scores were measured with the MHC-SF. Two paired t-tests and a moderation analysis with self-efficacy as the moderator were run. For both groups, there was a significant decline in well-being, with the experimental group having a larger decline. The moderation by self-efficacy was insignificant. Ultimately, it is unlikely that the incidental exposure to negative news significantly impacted well-being. The current sample was possibly affected by self-comparison and jealousy, which can decrease well-being. Mindfulness training for Instagram users should be considered to counteract these effects. Future studies could explore repeated exposure, subgroup differences, and underreported news. Keywords: Incidental negative news exposure, self-efficacy, Instagram, climate change |
| 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/91531 |
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