Abstract
Excessive smartphone use has been associated with a number of negative consequences for the individual and the environment. Some similarities can be observed between excessive smartphone usage and several behavioural addictions, and continual usage constitutes one of several characteristics included in addiction. In the extreme high end of the distribution of smartphone usage, smartphone restriction might be expected to elicit negative effects for individuals. These negative effects may be regarded as withdrawal symptoms traditionally associated with substance-related addictions. To address this timely issue, the present study examined scores on the Smartphone Withdrawal Scale (SWS), the Fear of Missing Out Scale (FoMOS) and the Positive and Negative Affect Schedule (PANAS) during 72 h of smartphone restriction. A sample of 127 participants (72.4% women), aged 18–48 years (M = 25.0, SD = 4.5), were randomly assigned into one of two conditions: a restricted condition (experimental group, n = 67) or a control condition (control group, n = 60). During the restriction period participants completed the aforementioned scales three times a day. The results revealed significantly higher scores on the SWS and FoMOS for participants allocated to the restricted condition than those assigned to the control condition. Overall the results suggest that smartphone restriction could cause withdrawal symptoms.
Highlights
Modern mobile technologies have become increasingly popular and more advanced over the last decade
Psychological withdrawal symptoms are effects that have been well documented in substance use addiction (Orford, 2001), and there is a growing body of evidence suggesting that withdrawal symptoms exist for behavioural addictions, such as pathological gambling (Griffiths, 2004)
Reported usage for Restricted group Control Challenges in restriction period related to Process apps Social communication Inaccessibility Planning Alarm/clock Music/podcast Social networking apps Security Pass time
Summary
Modern mobile technologies have become increasingly popular and more advanced over the last decade. According to the component model of addiction Griffiths (2005) suggested that it was characterized by six components, these including salience, mood modification, tolerance, withdrawal symptoms, conflict, and relapse. These components were assumed to be common for both addictions related to substance use as well as for behavioural addiction. Psychological withdrawal symptoms are effects that have been well documented in substance use addiction (Orford, 2001), and there is a growing body of evidence suggesting that withdrawal symptoms exist for behavioural addictions, such as pathological gambling (Griffiths, 2004)
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