Massey Documents by Type

Permanent URI for this communityhttps://mro.massey.ac.nz/handle/10179/294

Browse

Has files: YesSubject: search.filters.subject.addiction

Search Results

Now showing 1 - 2 of 2
  • Thumbnail Image
    Item
    Binge-scrolling behaviour on user-generated media based on uses and gratification theory : a thesis presented in partial fulfilment of the requirements for the degree of Master of Science in Information Sciences at Massey University, Auckland, New Zealand
    (Massey University, 2023) Wang, Shaojun
    Recent advances in User-Generated Media (UGM) and short-form video applications (apps) have led to the emergence of a phenomenon known as binge-scrolling. Engaging in long periods of unconscious scrolling through short videos is a common practice that resembles binge-watching series. Uses and Gratification Theory (UGT) is often used to explain the relationships among user motives, needs and gratifications and the consequences of media interactions. Previous research has rarely explored the binge watching behaviour of users with regard to short videos. The purpose of this study is to investigate the impacts of engagement with UGM (short video platforms such as YouTube, TikTok, and WeChat channels) on binge-scrolling, addiction and mental health. Data (N = 606) were collected using an online survey and analysed using Structural Equation Modelling (SEM). The results show that 1) motivation is positively related to binge-scrolling as an antecedent, which is consistent with UGT, and informational motivation is one of the primary motivations for using UGM; 2) binge scrolling is positively associated with addiction and mental health; and 3) user engagement has a moderating effect on the relationship between binge-scrolling and problematic binge-scrolling. The findings of this study contribute to UGT research on binge-scrolling with regard to short videos and provide useful information to support the prevention of binge-scrolling addiction and mental health disorders as well as relevant interventions.
  • Thumbnail Image
    Item
    mHealth Technologies for Managing Problematic Pornography Use: Content Analysis.
    (JMIR Publications, 2022-10-13) Henry N; Donkin L; Williams M; Pedersen M
    Background: Several mobile apps are currently available that purportedly help with managing pornography addiction. However, the utility of these apps is unclear, given the lack of literature on the effectiveness of mobile health solutions for problematic pornography use. Little is also known about the content, structure, and features of these apps. Objective: This study aims to characterize the purpose, content, and popularity of mobile apps that claim to manage pornography addiction. Methods: The phrase “pornography addiction” was entered as a search term in the app stores of the two major mobile phone platforms (Android and iOS). App features were categorized according to a coding scheme that contained 16 categories. Apps were included in the analysis if they were described as helpful for reducing pornography use, and data were extracted from the store descriptions of the apps. Metrics such as number of user ratings, mean rating score, and number of installations were analyzed on a per-feature basis. Results: In total, 170 apps from both app stores met the inclusion criteria. The five most common and popular features, both in terms of number of apps with each feature and minimum possible number of installations, were the ability to track the time since last relapse (apps with feature=72/170, 42.4%; minimum possible number of installations=6,388,000), tutorials and coaching (apps with feature=63/170, 37.1%; minimum possible number of installations=9,286,505), access to accountability partners or communities (apps with feature=51/170, 30%; minimum possible number of installations=5,544,500), content blocking or content monitoring (apps with feature=46/170, 27.1%; minimum possible number of installations=17,883,000), and a reward system for progress (apps with feature=34/170, 20%; minimum possible number of installations=4,425,300). Of these features, content-blocking apps had the highest minimum possible number of installations. Content blocking was also the most detected feature combination in a combinatorial analysis (with 28 apps having only this feature), but it also had the lowest mean consumer satisfaction rating (4.04) and second-lowest median rating (4.00) out of 5 stars. None of the apps reviewed contained references to literature that provided direct evidence for the app’s efficacy or safety. Conclusions: There are several apps with the potential to provide low- or zero-cost real-time interventions for people struggling to manage problematic pornography use. Popular app features include blockers of pornographic content, behavior monitoring, and tutorials that instruct users how to eliminate pornography use. However, there is currently no empirical evidence to support the effectiveness and safety of these apps. Further research is required to be able to provide recommendations about which apps (and app features) are safe for public consumption.