Podcast listeners are less neurotic and more inquisitive

Researchers from the Queensland University of Technology in Australia surveyed more than 300 people from 10 countries worldwide to examine how regularly listening to podcasts affects their lifestyle and character.

All the participants were analyzed on extraversion, agreeableness, conscientiousness, neuroticism, and openness to experience. This is what they found!

Researchers discovered that most people who listen to podcasts have a higher level of openness to new experiences, expressed in their curiosity and love for all things new and unknown. Likewise, podcasters are generally less neurotic and stress-resistant than those who prefer social media to podcasts.

In addition, the participants showed less of a need to belong to any social group. However, they were more likely to develop parasocial relationships (one-way relationships that often develop between fans and idols) with the hosts of their favorite podcasts.

Nevertheless, the results of this study have not yet been verified, as significant conclusions require a greater sample of people and geographical diversity (most of the participants, despite the international scope of the study, lived in the UK or the USA.)