Toward an integrated framework for examining the addictive use of smartphones among young adults
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Date
2023-09-18
Open Access Location
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Publisher
Wolters Kluwer Medknow Publications
Rights
CC BY 4.0
Abstract
Introduction: Despite the growing concern over addictive smartphone use among young adults,
there is a lack of understanding of the specific mechanisms underlying this phenomenon. This study
aims to fill this gap by integrating the stimulus‑organism‑response–cognitive‑adaptive‑normative
model to examine the drivers of habitual smartphone behavior and addictive use and the role of
habitual behavior as a mediator. Methods: A quantitative method employing a purposive sampling
technique was used to collect self‑administered online questionnaires between May and August 2016
from 705 young adults (aged 17–30 years) in Malaysia. Partial least squares structural equation
modeling was used. Results: Convenience (β =0.256, t = 5.993, P < 0.001), social needs (β =0.349,
t = 8.661, P < 0.001), and social influence (β =0.108, t = 3.108, P < 0.01) are positively associated
with habitual behavior. However, convenience (β =0.041, t = 0.997) and social needs (β = −0.027,
t = 0.682) are not associated with addictive use, even though social influence (β =0.195, t = 5.116,
P < 0.001) did significantly influenced addictive use. Furthermore, habitual behavior is an extremely
strong determinant of addictive use (β =0.505, t = 13.837, P < 0.001). The results also indicated
that habitual behavior partially mediated the relationship between the drivers and addictive use.
Conclusion: This study emphasizes the importance of the drivers (i.e., convenience, social needs,
and social influence) in shaping habitual behavior and addictive use so that policies can promote
responsible and healthy smartphone use among young adults.
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Citation
Tan N-L. (2023). Toward an integrated framework for examining the addictive use of smartphones among young adults. Asian Journal of Social Health and Behavior. 6. 3. (pp. 119-125).