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

Abstract

ABSTRACT 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.