Disturbing aspects of smartphone usage: a qualitative analysis

Abstract

There is little research in the field of problematic smartphone use, which directly enquired with users about what they find disturbing about smartphone usage behaviour. This qualitative study addressed sub-critical issues which may be a precursor to more severe problems such as problematic smartphone usage. Ninety-nine participants completed an online questionnaire with open questions regarding disturbing smartphone usage behaviour. Using the method of ‘thematic analysis’, we identified eight themes that we clustered into two overarching themes: reasons for use and consequences of use. Five themes related to reasons for use, including inevitability, habitual use, avoiding unpleasant circumstances, need satisfaction and fulfilling social expectations. Three themes referred to consequences of smartphone usage (i.e. life management, social life, and online life). Across all themes it appeared that the different aspects of disturbing smartphone usage were triggered and sustained by contextual factors and complex social dynamics, suggesting that participants lack control over their actual usage. Therefore, this research provides a holistic view of the sub-critical issues disturbing participants as well as identifies several mechanisms perpetuating these problems. The listing and description of such sub-critical issues and the different mechanisms are of high importance for prevention and the design of interventions.