An energizing role for motivation in information-seeking during the early phase of the COVID-19 pandemic

Yaniv Abir (), Caroline B. Marvin, Camilla Geen, Maya Leshkowitz, Ran R. Hassin and Daphna Shohamy
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Yaniv Abir: Columbia University
Caroline B. Marvin: Columbia University
Camilla Geen: Columbia University
Maya Leshkowitz: The Hebrew University of Jerusalem
Ran R. Hassin: The Hebrew University of Jerusalem
Daphna Shohamy: Columbia University

Nature Communications, 2022, vol. 13, issue 1, 1-10

Abstract: Abstract The COVID-19 pandemic has highlighted the importance of understanding and managing information seeking behavior. Information-seeking in humans is often viewed as irrational rather than utility maximizing. Here, we hypothesized that this apparent disconnect between utility and information-seeking is due to a latent third variable, motivation. We quantified information-seeking, learning, and COVID-19-related concern (which we used as a proxy for motivation regarding COVID-19 and the changes in circumstance it caused) in a US-based sample (n = 5376) during spring 2020. We found that self-reported levels of COVID-19 concern were associated with directed seeking of COVID-19-related content and better memory for such information. Interestingly, this specific motivational state was also associated with a general enhancement of information-seeking for content unrelated to COVID-19. These effects were associated with commensurate changes to utility expectations and were dissociable from the influence of non-specific anxiety. Thus, motivation both directs and energizes epistemic behavior, linking together utility and curiosity.

Date: 2022
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DOI: 10.1038/s41467-022-30011-5

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