Watching television with others: The influence of interpersonal communication on entertainment

In: Communications: the European journal of communication research, Band 39, Heft 2

Abstract

AbstractThis study investigates the influence of (1) viewing situations (solo- vs. group-viewing) and (2) interpersonal communication in a group-viewing situation on television entertainment. In a field study combining a survey and video observation, (1) entertainment of participants watching television alone or in a group, and (2) entertainment between different groups was compared. To assess interpersonal communication while watching television, group verbal and nonverbal communication behavior was recorded. Results suggest that the presence of others did not influence viewers' core enjoyment. Further, while the amount of nonverbal communication behavior did not affect viewers' core enjoyment, particular topics of conversation influenced specific enjoyment qualities, with conversations indicating involvement in the television show intensifying viewers' empathy, and conversations indicating emotional experiences while watching television decreasing viewers' suspense. Results are discussed regarding nonverbal and verbal mechanisms that underlie entertainment in different social conditions.