Digital Dependency: How Smartphones are Reshaping Youth Behavior

Abstract

Smartphones have become the necessity than novelty, and have transformed the developmental ecology of today's youth. The aim of this qualitative study was to explore the lived experiences of 13 participants aged 15–25 from educational environments in the urban and peri-urban area, and how the use of the smartphone and social media affects emotional regulation, social relationships, academic performance and physical health. Data were gathered using a phenomenological and narrative research design, involving semi-structured in-depth interviews, small group focus group discussions and media-elicitation methods in which participants considered their own screen-use log. Five major themes were found through thematic analysis in line with Braun and Clarke (2006): Emotional Regulation Through Devices, Social Connectivity versus Social Isolation, Academic Disruption and Attention Fragmentation, Sleep Disturbance and Physical Health, and Self-Reflection and Coping Strategies. Results showed that there was a paradox with technology: smart phones offered emotional support, creative expression and social interaction, but also anxiety, compulsive checking, lower confidence in face-to-face communication, academic distraction, and sleep disturbances. Importantly, the majority of participants exhibited some form of self-awareness and were using some sort of self-regulatory strategies. The results are analyzed using Bronfenbrenner's (1979) bio-ecological model and Self-Determination Theory (Ryan & Deci, 2017). The implications for digital literacy education, mental health practice, family practice and technology policy are discussed.