Seeking Spoilage: The Impact of Content Challenge, Self-Control, and Traits on Spoiler Selection

Two experiments examined whether perceived content challenge, self-control, and trait variables predicted participants' choice of a spoiled/unspoiled movie review. Study 1 found that perceived content challenge influenced spoiler selection as a function of need for cognition. Self-control had n...

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Bibliographic Details
Published in:Journal of broadcasting & electronic media 2022-05, Vol.66 (3), p.440-463
Main Authors: Kryston, Kevin, Ulusoy, Ezgi, Grady, Sara M., Johnson, Benjamin K., Rosenbaum, Judith E., Eden, Allison
Format: Article
Language:English
Subjects:
Cognition
Content analysis
Digital media
Experiments
Self control
Spoilage
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Summary:Two experiments examined whether perceived content challenge, self-control, and trait variables predicted participants' choice of a spoiled/unspoiled movie review. Study 1 found that perceived content challenge influenced spoiler selection as a function of need for cognition. Self-control had no effect. In Study 2, participants chose spoilers when content was perceived to be cognitively challenging but not affectively challenging. Need for affect moderated these effects. Choosing spoiler-laden reviews was also associated with reduced anticipated enjoyment and intention to watch the full film. The results point to the importance of trait and content variables in spoiler selection.
ISSN:0883-8151
1550-6878
DOI:10.1080/08838151.2022.2110593