Theorizing Flow and Media Enjoyment as Cognitive Synchronization of Attentional and Reward Networks

Abstract

This article reconceptualizes the psychological concept of ''flow'' as it pertains to media entertainment. Our goal is to advance flow theory in ways that highlight the necessity of reliable and valid operationalization. We posit flow as a discrete, energetically optimized, and gratifying experience resulting from a cognitive synchronization of specific attentional and reward networks under condition of balance between challenge and skill. We identify video-game play as a context in which flow is likely to occur, and where we can observe our neurophysiological conceptualization of flow using measurement techniques (functional magnetic resonance imaging [fMRI]) without disrupting the experiential state. After presenting preliminary evidence consistent with our synchronization theory of flow, we suggest ways to advance this research.This article suggests a reconceptualization of the psychological concept of flow as it pertains to mediated experiences. We specifically aim to further flow theory as applied to media entertainment in ways that highlight the necessity of reliable and valid operationalizations and measurements. The concept of flow originates in Csikszentmihalyi's (1990) theory of human happiness, balance, and optimal experience. Its original formulation posits that an experience, such as media enjoyment, can be viewed as the source of flow states, which are characterized by intense attentional focus, pleasurable feelings, and emotional rewards. This article will argue that in the media context, flow can be viewed as a discrete, energetically optimized, and gratifying experience resulting from a cognitive synchronization of attentional and reward networks under condition of balance between challenge and skill. This concept of flow as a cognitive-synchronization process provides, for the first time, both a theoretical rationale for this concept and a direct measurement of flow states.

Being in the zone: Using behavioral and EEG recordings for the indirect assessment of flow

“…On the other hand, using a neuroscience approach we aim to validate a method which is compatible with measurements of brain activity, such as EEG recordings. In fact, it is remarkable that although at the theoretical level important efforts have been done to advance the conceptualization of flow using a neuroscience perspective (see Synchronization theory of flow, Weber et al, 2009, and for a review from a neuroscience perspective Dietrich, 2004 ) and to provide guidelines to conduct research on this field using (Weber, Mangus and Huskey, 2015) little research has been done in order to validate methods compatible with electrophysiological measurements however.…”

‘Suddenly I get into the zone’: Examining discontinuities and nonlinear changes in flow experiences at work

“…Moreover, in order to enter the flow state, a sudden phase transition occurs from other non-flow states and can be modeled as a discontinuity. Weber et al (2009), for example, propose that there is no continuous transition between a nonflow state (e.g., boredom, anxiety) and the flow state. Instead, these transitions tend to be sudden, occurring from one moment to the next, and mostly unconscious.…”

The structural equation modeling of reading interest psycho-behavioural constructs: How are they related across different modes of reading?

“…Shernoff, Csikszentmihalyi, Shneider, & Shernoff, 2003;Sherry, 2004;Weber, Tamborini, Westcott-Baker, & Kantor, 2009) which have considered the role of enjoyment and competence/knowledge/cognitive abilities in generating flow experiences. People would experience being completely absorbed in an activity that they find intensely enjoyable (e.g., Shernoff et al, 2003;Sherry, 2004).…”