Managing Moods and Screens: Investigating the (Curvilinear) Relationship Between Arousal, Valence, and Multi-Screening Behavior

Schwertberger, Ulrike und Greipl, Simon (2025): Managing Moods and Screens: Investigating the (Curvilinear) Relationship Between Arousal, Valence, and Multi-Screening Behavior. 75th Annual Meeting of the International Communication Association, Denver, Colorado, USA, 12.-16. Juni 2025.

Abstract

Media use has long been recognized as a means for managing arousal and mood. Yet, with the advent of digital media, new engagement patterns such as multi-screening have expanded traditional media use behaviors. Multi-screening allows users to adapt their media consumption in real-time, responding flexibly to shifting levels of arousal and mood that may enhance the opportunities of single-device use. We therefore propose that multi-screening represents a dynamic approach to mood management, offering users flexible, low-effort activities to repair mood and gain pleasure, stimulation, or emotional relief. The study employs an experience sampling methodology, integrating Netflix usage tracking with survey prompts to capture real-time fluctuations in mood and multi-screening behavior. Findings will be discussed with regard to situational factors that drive multi-screening, positioning it as a potential tool with nuanced implications for mood management despite its association with cognitive and emotional risks.

• Item Type: Conference or Workshop Item (Speech)
• Keywords: media multitasking; mood management; experience sampling; Konferenz ICA 2025
• Faculties: Social Sciences > Department of Communications and Media (IfKW)
• Subjects: 300 Social sciences > 380 Commerce, communications and transportation
• Language: English