Feeling Anxious? Perceiving Anxiety in Tweets using Machine Learning

Abstract

This study provides a predictive measurement tool to examine perceived anxiety from a longitudinal perspective, using a non-intrusive machine learning approach to scale human rating of anxiety in microblogs. Results suggest that our chosen machine learning approach depicts perceived user state-anxiety fluctuations over time, as well as mean trait anxiety. We further find a reverse relationship between perceived anxiety and outcomes such as social engagement and popularity. Implications on the individual, organizational, and societal levels are discussed.