The Effects of Media Multitasking on Emotion and Content Choice Over a Week of Laptop Use

• In Event: Multitasking and Selective Attention

Abstract

The existing literature on media multitasking focuses on issues of exposure and usage patterns, with little research into the relationship between emotion and multitasking behavior. Expanding this literature, the present study examines how emotional state may relate to task-switching on laptops. To explore this relationship the study employs novel methodologies to observe media multitasking behavior over the course of several days and in the field. This approach offers a unique dataset that affords analysis of actual media multitasking activity in natural settings throughout a week in terms of content types viewed, duration per content, number of switches, valence and arousal during the switches, and time of day.

Authors

• Leo Yeykelis, Stanford University

• James J Cummings, Stanford University

• Byron Reeves, Stanford U