Title

Unrealistic Optimism in Internet Events

Document Type

Article

Publication Title

Computers in Human Behavior

ISSN

0747-5632

Volume

23

Issue

3

First Page

1273

1284

Publication Date

2007

Abstract

This study assessed the tendency for individuals to be unrealistically optimistic about internet related activities. Ninety-seven participants estimated their chances of experiencing 31 positive and negative internet events compared to the average student at their school. The data indicated that students believed positive internet events were more likely to happen to them and negative events were less likely to happen to them compared to the average student. Heavy internet users reported more optimistic responses than did light users. Perceptions of event characteristics (controllability, desirability, and personal experience) were also significantly correlated with optimistic bias.

Publication Information

Campbell, J., Greenauer, N., Macaluso, K., & End, C. M. (2007). Unrealistic optimism in internet events. Computers in Human Behavior, 23(3), 1273-1284.

Comments

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