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Absence of Objective Differences between Self-Identified Addicted and Healthy Smartphone Users?

Author

Listed:
  • Kristoffer Geyer

    (Department of Psychology, Lancaster University, Lancaster LA1 4YW, UK)

  • Xavier Carbonell

    (FPCEE Blanquerna, Universitat Ramon Llull, 08022 Barcelona, Spain)

  • Marta Beranuy

    (Health Science Department, Universidad Pública de Navarra, 31006 Pamplona, Spain)

  • Fran Calvo

    (Departament de Pedagogia, Institut de Recerca Sobre Qualitat de Vida, Universitat de Girona, 17004 Girona, Spain)

Abstract

Smartphones are used by billions of people worldwide. However, some psychologists have argued that use of this technology is addictive, even though little research utilises objective smartphone usage records to verify this claim. We conducted an exploratory study to identify whether behavioural differences exist between those who self-identify as addicted smartphone users and those who do not. We gathered retrospective smartphone usage data from 131 Android users and asked them about their past use to compare their perception of their usage against their actual usage. We could not identify any reliable differences between the smartphone activity of those self-identified as addicted smartphone users and other users. Furthermore, smartphone scales are generally good at identifying who believes themselves to be addicted, although they do not reflect objective smartphone use. This study questions the use of self-report measures to diagnosis behavioural addictions without relevant psychopathological constructs and emphasises the need for more rigorous study to conceptualise smartphone addiction.

Suggested Citation

  • Kristoffer Geyer & Xavier Carbonell & Marta Beranuy & Fran Calvo, 2021. "Absence of Objective Differences between Self-Identified Addicted and Healthy Smartphone Users?," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 18(7), pages 1-15, April.
    • Handle: RePEc:gam:jijerp:v:18:y:2021:i:7:p:3702-:d:528734
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    1. Juan Herrero & Alberto Urueña & Andrea Torres & Antonio Hidalgo, 2019. "Smartphone addiction: psychosocial correlates, risky attitudes, and smartphone harm," Journal of Risk Research, Taylor & Francis Journals, vol. 22(1), pages 81-92, January.
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