Is smartphone addiction really an addiction?

Bibliographic Data

ID23359239
AuthorsTayana Panova (0000-0002-2319-8019, Universitat Ramon Llull), Xavier Carbonell (0000-0002-9714-1568, Universitat Ramon Llull)
Year2018
Volume7
Issue2
Pages252-259
Publication date2018-06-12
Peer ReviewedYes
Open AccessYes
TypeARTICLE
VenueJournal of Behavioral Addictions (JOURNAL)
Journal identifiersISSN: 2062-5871 • E-ISSN: 2063-5303
PublisherAkademiai Kiado Zrt. (PUBLISHER • HU)
DOI10.1556/2006.7.2018.49
PMID29895183
OpenAlexW2808240146
LanguageEN
Citations received279
References cited65

Aims In light of the rise in research on technological addictions and smartphone addiction in particular, the aim of this paper was to review the relevant literature on the topic of smartphone addiction and determine whether this disorder exists or if it does not adequately satisfy the criteria for addiction. Methods We reviewed quantitative and qualitative studies on smartphone addiction and analyzed their methods and conclusions to make a determination on the suitability of the diagnosis “addiction” to excessive and problematic smartphone use. Results Although the majority of research in the field declares that smartphones are addictive or takes the existence of smartphone addiction as granted, we did not find sufficient support from the addiction perspective to confirm the existence of smartphone addiction at this time. The behaviors observed in the research could be better labeled as problematic or maladaptive smartphone use and their consequences do not meet the severity levels of those caused by addiction. Discussion and conclusions Addiction is a disorder with severe effects on physical and psychological health. A behavior may have a similar presentation as addiction in terms of excessive use, impulse control problems, and negative consequences, but that does not mean that it should be considered an addiction. We propose moving away from the addiction framework when studying technological behaviors and using other terms such as “problematic use” to describe them. We recommend that problematic technology use is to be studied in its sociocultural context with an increased focus on its compensatory functions, motivations, and gratifications.

Addiction · Behavioral addiction · Context (archaeology) · Psychiatry · Smartphone addiction · Child Development and Digital Technology · Clinical Psychology · Digital Marketing and Social Media · Impact of Technology on Adolescents · Psychology

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