Online inspiration

This chapter examines the experience of inspiration in online contexts. The chapter begins by examining the notion of inspiration itself, explaining that although this term may be used in a variety of contexts, here the use focuses on self-transcendent affect, including states such as elevation and awe. Subsequently, the chapter provides an overview of the types of online content that frequently heighten users' feelings of inspiration, as well as the traits associated with greater exposure to self-transcendent content. The chapter then turns to an overview of scholarship that has examined the variety of prosocial outcomes associated with the experience of inspiration, including heightened altruism and stereotype reduction. Finally, a consideration of the implications of specific affordances of online technologies is presented, as well as the challenges of harnessing online inspiration for social good.