Flow on the net-detecting Web users' positive affects and their flow states

The correlations between positive affects and flow symptoms on the Web are analyzed in an attempt to increase our understanding of the positive aspects of Web users' on-line behaviors. The digital version of the experience sampling method was employed to collect situated data from 233 Web users with a pop-up questionnaire on subjects' Web browsers. This study concludes: (1) Web users are more likely to experience positive moods on the Web; (2) positivity of affects and enjoyable feelings are consequences of flow; (3) three factors underlying Web users' flow experiences labeled as antecedents, experiences, and consequences represent the process that an individual could experience during his/her engagement on the Web. Findings in this study provide insights into Web users' internal behaviors and the process of approaching optimal flow experience. In addition, the on-line experience sampling method was proven to be a useful and practical data collection tool. (c) 2004 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.