Emotional Contagion and Socialization

Abstract

The growing importance of emotional contagion in technology-mediated interactions demands a theoretical integration. In addition, it is important to understand the process of emotional socialization, or the trajectory by which children, adolescents, and adults learn how to interact in complex social environments with the aid of new technologies. Therefore, this chapter explores the definition of emotional contagion and emotional socialization theory, contrasting the implications of these conceptual elements with the current social media context and presenting some consequences for the process of socialization of emotions. We also comment on the paradox represented by the dual role of technology in emotional contagion: Although it may discourage people from taking part in face-to-face interactions, it is also used to elicit emotions and produce emotional contagion through virtual contact.