ABSTRACT
The January 6, 2021, insurrection in the United States capitol can offer insight into how individuals engage with breaking news. The insurrection was a moment of national uncertainty; it was unclear who was storming the Capitol or why they were. A survey assessing cognitive preoccupation with breaking news online and compulsive social media use was developed and distributed within 48 hours of the insurrection. A sample of 380 college students revealed relationships between number of social media channels used, cognitive preoccupation with breaking news online, and compulsive social media use. Theoretical implications for the problematic internet use framework are discussed.
Disclosure Statement
The authors have no relevant financial or non-financial competing interests to report.
Additional information
Notes on contributors
Kathryn D. Coduto
Kathryn D. Coduto (Ph.D., Ohio State University) is an assistant professor of communication and media studies at South Dakota State University. Her research investigates mediated communication, often with a focus on communication in interpersonal relationships.
Jennifer Anderson
Jennifer Anderson (Ph.D., Michigan State University) is an associate professor of communication studies at South Dakota State University. Dr. Anderson’s research primarily investigates health communication and communication of values related to these behaviors.