Rethinking classifications and metrics for problematic smartphone use and dependence: Addressing the call for reassessment

Despite numerous favourable consequences, excessive smartphone usage has been linked to behaviours that might be detrimental or unsettling, at least for some individuals. Accordingly, it becomes fundamental to re-evaluate the classifications and metrics used to identify problematic smartphone use an...

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التفاصيل البيبلوغرافية
المؤلف الرئيسي: Saqib Nawaz
التنسيق: مقال
اللغة:English
منشور في: Elsevier 2023-12-01
سلاسل:Computers in Human Behavior Reports
الموضوعات:
الوصول للمادة أونلاين:http://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S245195882300060X
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author Saqib Nawaz
author_facet Saqib Nawaz
author_sort Saqib Nawaz
collection DOAJ
description Despite numerous favourable consequences, excessive smartphone usage has been linked to behaviours that might be detrimental or unsettling, at least for some individuals. Accordingly, it becomes fundamental to re-evaluate the classifications and metrics used to identify problematic smartphone use and dependence (PSUD) due to their diverse negative impacts on users. This necessity is driven by factors such as the availability of numerous apps, changes in behaviour resulting from widespread adoption, and the recent impact of COVID-19. The distinction between smartphone dependence and other technological dependencies is a critical aspect explored in this narrative review. Additionally, it clarifies the difference between habitual and discretionary smartphone use. It is worth noting that increased reliance on smartphones has brought about both positive and negative outcomes. On one hand, it has facilitated better management of professional, familial, and social obligations. Conversely, it has led to adverse aspects, including inappropriate usage, excessive engagement, and ineffective use. However, assessing PSUD based exclusively on frequency and duration is an overly simplistic approach. It is essential to investigate the motivations behind smartphone engagement and differentiate between purposeful, productive, goal-oriented utilisation (effectual use) and impulsive, unnecessary interactions (ineffectual use). The terminologies associated with PSUD often complicate the precise definition, identification, and measurement of accompanying behaviours. Moreover, the ever-evolving technological landscape and shifting usage patterns combine these challenges. To address these complexities, this review suggests establishing a standardised framework that investigates the impact of technological shifts, evolving smartphone usage patterns, and behavioural effects. This review examines the causes, effects, and factors that contribute to PSUD, proposing the need to study strategies for effectively identifying and managing challenges related to PSUD.
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spelling doaj.art-44f2bcfea5964c23bcf20b51bb55de822023-12-07T05:29:44ZengElsevierComputers in Human Behavior Reports2451-95882023-12-0112100327Rethinking classifications and metrics for problematic smartphone use and dependence: Addressing the call for reassessmentSaqib Nawaz0Department of Computing Technologies, School of Science, Computing and Engineering Technologies, Swinburne University of Technology, PO Box 218 - H23, John Street, Hawthorn, VIC, 3122, AustraliaDespite numerous favourable consequences, excessive smartphone usage has been linked to behaviours that might be detrimental or unsettling, at least for some individuals. Accordingly, it becomes fundamental to re-evaluate the classifications and metrics used to identify problematic smartphone use and dependence (PSUD) due to their diverse negative impacts on users. This necessity is driven by factors such as the availability of numerous apps, changes in behaviour resulting from widespread adoption, and the recent impact of COVID-19. The distinction between smartphone dependence and other technological dependencies is a critical aspect explored in this narrative review. Additionally, it clarifies the difference between habitual and discretionary smartphone use. It is worth noting that increased reliance on smartphones has brought about both positive and negative outcomes. On one hand, it has facilitated better management of professional, familial, and social obligations. Conversely, it has led to adverse aspects, including inappropriate usage, excessive engagement, and ineffective use. However, assessing PSUD based exclusively on frequency and duration is an overly simplistic approach. It is essential to investigate the motivations behind smartphone engagement and differentiate between purposeful, productive, goal-oriented utilisation (effectual use) and impulsive, unnecessary interactions (ineffectual use). The terminologies associated with PSUD often complicate the precise definition, identification, and measurement of accompanying behaviours. Moreover, the ever-evolving technological landscape and shifting usage patterns combine these challenges. To address these complexities, this review suggests establishing a standardised framework that investigates the impact of technological shifts, evolving smartphone usage patterns, and behavioural effects. This review examines the causes, effects, and factors that contribute to PSUD, proposing the need to study strategies for effectively identifying and managing challenges related to PSUD.http://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S245195882300060XTechnology dependenceInternet dependenceVideo games dependenceSocial media dependenceSmartphone dependenceSmartphone addiction
spellingShingle Saqib Nawaz
Rethinking classifications and metrics for problematic smartphone use and dependence: Addressing the call for reassessment
Computers in Human Behavior Reports
Technology dependence
Internet dependence
Video games dependence
Social media dependence
Smartphone dependence
Smartphone addiction
title Rethinking classifications and metrics for problematic smartphone use and dependence: Addressing the call for reassessment
title_full Rethinking classifications and metrics for problematic smartphone use and dependence: Addressing the call for reassessment
title_fullStr Rethinking classifications and metrics for problematic smartphone use and dependence: Addressing the call for reassessment
title_full_unstemmed Rethinking classifications and metrics for problematic smartphone use and dependence: Addressing the call for reassessment
title_short Rethinking classifications and metrics for problematic smartphone use and dependence: Addressing the call for reassessment
title_sort rethinking classifications and metrics for problematic smartphone use and dependence addressing the call for reassessment
topic Technology dependence
Internet dependence
Video games dependence
Social media dependence
Smartphone dependence
Smartphone addiction
url http://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S245195882300060X
work_keys_str_mv AT saqibnawaz rethinkingclassificationsandmetricsforproblematicsmartphoneuseanddependenceaddressingthecallforreassessment