
Media multitasking comprises a variety of different behaviors, ranging from watching TV while sending a text message to listening to music while gaming. However, we still know little about which media multitasking behaviors are selected more frequently and whether specific characteristics of the media activities determine this choice. Therefore, the present study examined to what extent media multitasking is predicted by 4 cognitive dimensions (Wang et al., 2015) and by instant emotional gratification. We reanalyzed 15 data sets that assessed between 36 and 144 media multitasking combinations each. The findings show that media multitasking occurs more frequently among media combinations that are characterized by a high control over task switching, do not present information in a transient manner, do not access the same sensory modality, and do not require a behavioral response. Moreover, media multitasking occurs more frequently among media combinations that provide instant emotional gratification. These findings further illuminate media multitasking by unraveling the cognitive and emotional characteristics of media multitasking. The findings demonstrate that in addition to cognitive resources and demands, media multitasking is predicted by instant emotional gratification.
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| selected citations These citations are derived from selected sources. This is an alternative to the "Influence" indicator, which also reflects the overall/total impact of an article in the research community at large, based on the underlying citation network (diachronically). | 21 | |
| popularity This indicator reflects the "current" impact/attention (the "hype") of an article in the research community at large, based on the underlying citation network. | Top 10% | |
| influence This indicator reflects the overall/total impact of an article in the research community at large, based on the underlying citation network (diachronically). | Top 10% | |
| impulse This indicator reflects the initial momentum of an article directly after its publication, based on the underlying citation network. | Top 10% |
