Smartphone and Social Networking Site Use: Does it Really Matter?

Collins, Heather E. (2021) Smartphone and Social Networking Site Use: Does it Really Matter? Memorial University of Newfoundland. (Unpublished)

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Abstract

The use of digital technology, namely smartphones and social networking sites continue to increase in recent years, particularly since the COVID-19 pandemic. Although this pattern has corresponded with greater concerns about the potential impact of use and dependency on the technology, it remains unclear when these experiences with technology become problematic for adults’ well-being and self-regulation. The current study examined the individual and simultaneous influences of smartphone and social networking site use and dependency on adults’ well-being and self-regulation, and assessed the protective effects of social support from family, friends, and a significant other on these associations. Participants included 277 adults aged 18 to 80 (Mage = 29.64, SD = 13.86; 77.3% female) who completed self-report surveys on technology use, wellbeing, and self-regulation. Most participants reported a change in technology use, social support, well-being, and self-regulation since the COVID-19 pandemic. Smartphone use and dependency were positively associated with social networking site use and dependency, and all technology variables were negatively associated with well-being and self-regulation. Hierarchical regression models showed that friend support moderated the association between smartphone craving and withdrawal and self-regulation such that higher levels of smartphone craving and withdrawal were more strongly associated with lower levels of self-regulation when participants reported higher levels of friend support. The findings underscore the importance of developing and maintaining healthy technological habits.

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