When Meaning Matters More: Media Preferences Across the Adult Life-Span

• In Event: Top Papers on the Lifespan Communication Theme

Abstract

Three studies considered the roles of emotion and meaning in adults’ media preferences. In study 1, US 18-86 year olds read descriptions of TV programs and rated their anticipated emotions (warmth, humor, fear or sadness) and viewing interest. In Study 2, US and German 18-82 year olds watched violent film trailers and rated their anticipated fear and interest. There were few age differences in relationships between emotion and meaning or emotion and interest. However, in both studies, anticipated meaningfulness was a stronger predictor of interest for older adults and age moderated the indirect path (emotion → meaning → interest). In Study 3, (American Time Use Survey, 15-85 year olds), older adults reported more meaning while viewing and the indirect path (age → meaningfulness → wellbeing) suppressed a negative association between age and wellbeing. The findings suggest stability in the meaningfulness of media-derived emotions, but increases in the importance of meaningfulness.

Authors

• Marie-Louise Mares, U of Wisconsin-Madison

• Anne Bartsch, LMU Munich

• James Alex Bonus, U of Wisconsin-Madison