The transformative capacity of leisurely information

To what extent can accessing desired information transform our views, shape our behavior, or influence our wellbeing? What does occur in our mind when we find the information we need? Building upon these questions, what emotions arise in our consciousness when we encounter unexpected or conflicting information? How do these emotions impact our information behavior patterns and the way we evaluate or interpret information? To what extent positive emotions, such as joy, linked with successful information retrieval? Furthermore, does the satisfaction of access to the needed information foster our motivation to seek further information? What role does our emotional status play in our mental state when we seek and share information in a specific context? How does the integration of the new information into our existing knowledge contribute to our cognitive growth and overall wellbeing? Indeed, these are fascinating lines of inquiry, and as you rightly might suggest, the answers are highly contingent upon the context, topic, and individual circumstances. As a result, each information experience in a context is unique because the impact of information on our cognition, emotion and behavior is complex, varying from person to person and situation to situation. The way our mind reacts to acquiring information can be influenced by numerous factors. For example, the level of satisfaction we experience upon finding what we seek can bring a sense of achievement, especially if the information item holds significant importance or solves a problem. Alternatively, if the new information contradicts our preconceived notions or challenges our existing beliefs, our cognitive processes may be triggered to reassess our current perceptions. Despite the remarkable significance of these questions, scholars in the field of Human Information Behavior (HIB) have not paid enough attention to them. While information seeking in different contexts has been a popular research topic for decades, how our mind transforms due to interacting with new information is yet to be a primary focus in this area. Therefore, the profound impact of interaction with information on the transformation of our mind has yet to receive the emphasis it deserves. Most studies have traditionally focused on investigating the process leading up to the point when individuals find what they seek, neglecting to delve deeper into the subsequent effects that occur afterwards.