Müller, SeverinaSeverinaMüllerFieseler, ChristianChristianFieselerSuphan, AnneAnneSuphanMeckel, MiriamMiriamMeckel2023-04-132023-04-132015-05-25https://www.alexandria.unisg.ch/handle/20.500.14171/106425This paper examines the argument that social exclusion perceived during unemployment leads to an escapist usage of online media, which in turn lowers job search efforts. Based on data from 386 unemployed heavy Internet users, the paper shows that online procrastination plays an important role in the lives of the unemployed, but not in a negative manner as to decrease their job search effort. The amount of motivational control the unemployed can muster exerts a strong effect on their job search effort, particularly for individuals with low self-efficacy and/or low job importance. Generally, heavy Internet users with low motivational control struggle more with their job search efforts. Low self-efficacy and/or low job importance increases this tendency additionally. Thus, for increasing the integration of this demographic, online media are not a detriment to reemployment, rather, skill-building and motivational support prove to be key antecedents to overcoming unemployment and should be fostered.enconference paper