Аlways with them: smartphone use by children, adolescents, and young adults—characteristics, habits of use, sharing, and satisfaction of needs

Abstract

Because of the extensive use of smartphones by children, adolescents, and young adults, we set out to explore the characteristics and habits of usage of smartphones from their perspective, and to examine the relationship between usage habits and the satisfaction of needs. As part of a mixed-method study, 551 respondents from Israel completed the questionnaires, and 110 of the respondents were also interviewed. The study provides an explanation for the dramatic rise and the massive use of smartphones by children, adolescents, and young adults. The findings show that respondents feel that with the help of their smartphones they can maintain extensive communication with those around them, satisfying their important needs, and more. Respondents have become highly dependent on the use of various applications, which leads to an even more extensive use. As the use of smartphones increases, respondents feel that they are maximizing the potential offered by these applications.