An experiment investigating the spillover effects of communication opportunities

•We investigate whether the effects of expressing one’s emotions spill over to future interactions.•A binary-choice dictator game is used to induce negative emotions in the participants.•The recipients of the unfair offer—contrary to the fairly treated recipients—contribute less in the final public goods game.•Reductions in subsequent contributions are smaller if the recipients can send a message to the dictators, but belief elicitation affects the efficacy of communication.•People inherently value the chance to express their opinions.