Flow on the net-detecting Web users' positive affects and their flow states

  • Authors:
  • Hsiang Chen

  • Affiliations:
  • Institute of Communications Management, National Sun Yat-sen University, No. 70, Lein-Hai Road, Kaohsiung, Taiwan

  • Venue:
  • Computers in Human Behavior
  • Year:
  • 2006

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Abstract

The correlations between positive affects and flow symptoms on the Web are analyzed in an attempt to increase our understanding of the positive aspects of Web users' on-line behaviors. The digital version of the experience sampling method was employed to collect situated data from 233 Web users with a pop-up questionnaire on subjects' Web browsers. This study concludes: (1) Web users are more likely to experience positive moods on the Web; (2) positivity of affects and enjoyable feelings are consequences of flow; (3) three factors underlying Web users' flow experiences labeled as antecedents, experiences, and consequences represent the process that an individual could experience during his/her engagement on the Web. Findings in this study provide insights into Web users' internal behaviors and the process of approaching optimal flow experience. In addition, the on-line experience sampling method was proven to be a useful and practical data collection tool.