Why Do Users Stop Pleasurable Media Experiences? The Dynamics of Media Experiences and Their Impact on Media Disengagement

• DOI: 10.1177/00936502241233017
• Publication Date: 2024-02-19T11:49:30Z
• Authors: Susanne E. Baumga...; Rinaldo Kühne
• Keywords: Disengagement theory; Dynamics; Media Use; Experience sampling method; Media content

Given the vast amount of permanently available entertainment content and high pleasure that viewers derive from it, question when why users disengage a media viewing session becomes more pressing. We argue in this paper communication theories lack conceptualization disengagement part process. The study presents novel dynamic view on use, argues specific processes occur during exposure contribute to its termination. assumptions theoretical framework are tested with an event-based experience sampling TV series sessions among 89 participants (1,952 answered surveys). findings show negative positive response states evolve (partly) independently each other course sessions: Despite increase experiences goal conflict, guilt, fatigue, individuals’ level enjoyment remained stable session. These results indicate responses do not necessarily interfere enjoyment. was strongest predictor for whether someone stopped indicating hedonic might overrule rational decisions stop due being fatigued or having things do.