Influence of social and psychological factors on smartphone usage during the COVID-19 pandemic

Abstract

Objective: This study investigates the influence of psychological factors—specifically affective and cognitive risk perceptions, social distancing attitudes, subjective norms, and cabin fever syndrome—on smartphone usage intensity during the COVID-19 pandemic, with a particular focus on university students. Methods: Utilizing a cross-sectional survey design, data were collected from 314 university students from South Korea and Vietnam. Structural equation modeling was employed to analyze the relationships between the psychological constructs and their impact on smartphone usage. Results: The analysis confirms that both affective and cognitive risk perceptions significantly influence attitudes towards social distancing. Furthermore, these social distancing attitudes are found to significantly affect cabin fever syndrome, suggesting that positive attitudes towards social distancing are closely associated with higher reports of cabin fever. Notably, cabin fever syndrome emerges as a significant predictor of increased smartphone usage, underscoring its role as a mediator between prolonged isolation and digital engagement. Additionally, subjective norms are also shown to significantly influence smartphone usage intensity, highlighting the impact of social expectations on digital behaviors during the pandemic. Conclusion: The study highlights the complex interplay between psychological distress induced by social restrictions and increased reliance on digital technology for social connectivity. These insights suggest that mental health interventions and digital literacy programs tailored to university students’ needs can be effective in managing the negative impacts of prolonged social isolation.