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The influence of incidental negative news exposure on well-being and the moderating effect of optimism

Hof, K.L. (2022) The influence of incidental negative news exposure on well-being and the moderating effect of optimism.

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Abstract:Due to the increased use of social media, incidental news exposure became more frequent. Existing literature demonstrates that consumption of negative news negatively affects well-being. However, there is not much known about the impact of being exposed incidentally to negative news on Instagram. Past research identified optimism as a positive predictor of well-being. Based on that, the present study assumed optimism to be a moderator variable. To test the hypotheses a questionnaire measuring the participants' level of optimism and well-being before being exposed to a fictional Instagram feed was used. Half of the participants were exposed to an Instagram feed including negative news articles about climate change and the other half was merely presented with posts about lifestyle content. Afterwards, the well-being of the participants was assessed again. A greater decline in well-being for the group being exposed to incidental negative news than for the control group was displayed. The moderation analysis showed no moderating effect of optimism. That the control group experienced a decline in well-being as well, can be affiliated with the negative effects of social media use. Therefore, it is recommended to develop practical interventions to support users coping with the distress caused by social media use.
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/91560
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