This study investigated the role of motivation in information-seeking behavior during the early stages of the COVID-19 pandemic. Researchers hypothesized that a latent variable, motivation, explains the disconnect between utility and information-seeking. Using a US-based sample (n=5376) in spring 2020, they measured information-seeking, learning, and COVID-19 concern (a proxy for motivation). Results showed that COVID-19 concern was associated with seeking COVID-19 related content and better memory for this information. Interestingly, high COVID-19 concern also enhanced information-seeking for unrelated content. These effects were linked to changes in utility expectations and were independent of non-specific anxiety. The study concludes that motivation both directs and energizes epistemic behavior, connecting utility and curiosity.

Yaniv Abir, Caroline B. Marvin, Camilla van Geen, Maya Leshkowitz, Ran R. Hassin, Daphna Shohamy