Paper Number
ECIS2026-2732
Paper Type
CRP
Abstract
While most publications on smartphone addiction and problematic smartphone dependency (PSD) focus on children and students, very few address these problems in the working adult population. We build on uses and gratification theory, which informs why habits develop and may turn - if not regulated - into addictions, and on self-regulation theories to shed light on the effects of preventative and harm reduction factors, including mindfulness. The SEM model views time spent and PSD as dependent on these factors as well as needs and gratifications. This study was conducted among a large sample of adults working in companies (n= 863) in France. Taking into account the positive effects of process and related enjoyment on Social Network Sites and websites, and loneliness, on PSD, we show that trait mindfulness, time self-monitoring and attention switching are significantly negatively correlated with PSD while other factors, education and dissuasion are not correlated with PSD.
Recommended Citation
Rowe, Frantz; Daniel, Carole; and Wolff, François-Charles, "Problematic Smartphone Dependency: Shedding New Lights On Its Motivational and Preventing Mechanisms For Working Adults" (2026). ECIS 2026 Proceedings. 35.
https://aisel.aisnet.org/ecis2026/cog_hbis/cog_hbis/35
Problematic Smartphone Dependency: Shedding New Lights On Its Motivational and Preventing Mechanisms For Working Adults
While most publications on smartphone addiction and problematic smartphone dependency (PSD) focus on children and students, very few address these problems in the working adult population. We build on uses and gratification theory, which informs why habits develop and may turn - if not regulated - into addictions, and on self-regulation theories to shed light on the effects of preventative and harm reduction factors, including mindfulness. The SEM model views time spent and PSD as dependent on these factors as well as needs and gratifications. This study was conducted among a large sample of adults working in companies (n= 863) in France. Taking into account the positive effects of process and related enjoyment on Social Network Sites and websites, and loneliness, on PSD, we show that trait mindfulness, time self-monitoring and attention switching are significantly negatively correlated with PSD while other factors, education and dissuasion are not correlated with PSD.
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