Disturbing aspects of smartphone usage

A qualitative analysis

Dados Bibliográficos

ID21452008
AutoresCarli Ochs (0000-0002-5348-2483, University of Fribourg, autor correspondente), Juergen Sauer (0000-0003-2105-1694, University of Fribourg)
Ano2023
Volume42
Fascículo14
Páginas2504-2519
Data de publicação2023-10-26
Peer ReviewedSim
Open AccessSim
TipoARTICLE
PeriódicoBehaviour and Information Technology (JOURNAL)
Identificadores do periódicoISSN: 0144-929X • E-ISSN: 1362-3001
EditoraInforma UK Limited (PUBLISHER • GB)
DOI10.1080/0144929x.2022.2129092
OpenAlexW4303188624
IdiomaEN
Citações recebidas8
Referências citadas66

There is little research in the field of problematic smartphone use, which directly enquired with users about what they find disturbing about smartphone usage behaviour. This qualitative study addressed sub-critical issues which may be a precursor to more severe problems such as problematic smartphone usage. Ninety-nine participants completed an online questionnaire with open questions regarding disturbing smartphone usage behaviour. Using the method of ‘thematic analysis’, we identified eight themes that we clustered into two overarching themes: reasons for use and consequences of use. Five themes related to reasons for use, including inevitability, habitual use, avoiding unpleasant circumstances, need satisfaction and fulfilling social expectations. Three themes referred to consequences of smartphone usage (i.e. life management, social life, and online life). Across all themes it appeared that the different aspects of disturbing smartphone usage were triggered and sustained by contextual factors and complex social dynamics, suggesting that participants lack control over their actual usage. Therefore, this research provides a holistic view of the sub-critical issues disturbing participants as well as identifies several mechanisms perpetuating these problems. The listing and description of such sub-critical issues and the different mechanisms are of high importance for prevention and the design of interventions

Control (management) · Internet privacy · Multimedia · Psychological intervention · Qualitative research · Smartphone application · Social dynamics · Social media · Sociology · Thematic analysis · World Wide Web · Applied Psychology · Child Development and Digital Technology · Computer Science · Impact of Technology on Adolescents · Psychology · Social Media and Politics · Social Psychology