Psychophysiological Responses to Using Digital Media

Abstract

Abstract This chapter provides an overview of perspectives on how the “old brain” affectively and physiologically responds to “new” digital media. A summary of the dominant theories of emotion involved in studying psychophysiological responses to media is presented, including the dimensional perspective of emotion followed by the notion of biological motivation as put forth by the evaluative space model. Next, a conceptual and operational review of psychophysiological measures of arousal and emotional valence is provided. This chapter also includes a summary of studies examining psychophysiological responses to using digital media technologies, platforms, and affordances. Finally, it concludes with a discussion of the advantages and limitations that come with the measurement of emotion via psychophysiological measures as applied to the study of digital media, as well as considerations for future research.