The Double-Edged Sword of Job-Relevant News Consumption: a Within-Person Examination of the Costs and Benefits for Employees

Research has neglected to consider the news as a source of work-related information that might impact employee experiences and outcomes. In an initial pilot study with a diverse cross-section of employees, we confirm that deriving work-related insights from the news, either intentionally or serendipitously, is a common occurrence. Next, drawing from conservation of resources theory, we developed a model to examine both the beneficial and detrimental consequences associated with job-relevant news consumption. We conducted a 10-day experience sampling study which showed that job-relevant news consumption increases information overload but also produces perceived learning. Information overload, perceived learning, and emotional exhaustion serially mediate the relationship between consumption of job-relevant news and employee withdrawal behavior. Furthermore, perceived learning buffers the indirect relationship between news consumption and work withdrawal via information overload and emotional exhaustion. We discuss the theoretical and practical implications of our research.