- Reaction score
- 1,696
Using smartphones for extended periods could negatively impact mental well-being and social connectedness, according to a recent study from researchers at the University of British Columbia and a media lab in Germany. Unlike earlier research that relied on self-reported data, this study from the Journal of Social and Personal Relationships employed direct tracking of screen time, revealing a “vicious cycle” in which feeling less socially connected leads to increased smartphone use.
The role smartphones play in our mental well-being has been the subject of heated debate among researchers. Earlier studies have produced mixed results, with some suggesting a negative impact—especially among teenagers—while others claim the impact is minimal. One significant limitation has been the reliance on self-reported smartphone usage, which is often inaccurate. This study seeks to fill the gap by tracking real screen time and measuring its effects on well- being and social connectedness.
The study aims to resolve inconsistencies in existing research by directly measuring smartphone use and its effects over time. Over six days, participants were checked in with multiple times a day to gauge their well-being and sense of social connectedness, seeking to provide more nuanced and reliable insights.
The research involved 325 Android users, from ages 14 to 80 and 58% women, primarily from the University of British Columbia and surrounding areas. Participants installed a screen-tracking app called “BeTrack” and answered questionnaires three times a day for six days. Advanced statistical techniques, known as multi-level models, were used to analyze the data and test two hypotheses related to how smartphone use interferes with or displaces offline social interactions.
The role smartphones play in our mental well-being has been the subject of heated debate among researchers. Earlier studies have produced mixed results, with some suggesting a negative impact—especially among teenagers—while others claim the impact is minimal. One significant limitation has been the reliance on self-reported smartphone usage, which is often inaccurate. This study seeks to fill the gap by tracking real screen time and measuring its effects on well- being and social connectedness.
The study aims to resolve inconsistencies in existing research by directly measuring smartphone use and its effects over time. Over six days, participants were checked in with multiple times a day to gauge their well-being and sense of social connectedness, seeking to provide more nuanced and reliable insights.
The research involved 325 Android users, from ages 14 to 80 and 58% women, primarily from the University of British Columbia and surrounding areas. Participants installed a screen-tracking app called “BeTrack” and answered questionnaires three times a day for six days. Advanced statistical techniques, known as multi-level models, were used to analyze the data and test two hypotheses related to how smartphone use interferes with or displaces offline social interactions.
New study uncovers a "vicious cycle" between feeling less socially connected and increased smartphone use
Using smartphones for extended periods could negatively impact mental well-being and social connectedness, according to a recent study from researchers at the University of British Columbia and a media lab in Germany. Unlike earlier research that relied on self-reported data, this study from the...
www.psypost.org
