Smartphone overuse and distraction: which relationship with general well-being across different generations?

The appropriate use of smartphones is closely related to individual well-being. However, excessive use of smartphones can have detrimental effects on users. This study explores the relationship between problematic smartphone use, smartphone distraction, and well-being across four different generations.

A total of 430 Italian participants ranging across four generations categorized by age groups, completed a comprehensive questionnaire. These groups included Baby Boomers (M = 63.76; SD = 4.50), Generation X (M = 50.94; SD = 4.41), Generation Y (35,88; SD = 2.29), and Generation Z (M = 24.23; SD = 2.73). The questionnaire included socio-demographic information, digital tools usage, digital activities, the Mobile Problematic Use Scale (MPPUS) and its subdimensions-withdrawal and social aspects (WITHD) and craving and escape from other problems (CRAV)-the Smartphone Distraction Scale (SDS) and its subdimensions-attention impulsiveness (ATT IMP), online vigilance (ON VIG), emotion regulation (EM REG), and multitasking (MULT)-and the I COPPE well-being scale. Analyses were conducted using ANOVA, correlations, and hierarchical regression to explore the relationships between these variables. Generational groups and weekly time spent on online activities were included as control variables in the hierarchical regression analysis.

Results revealed a positive correlation between MPPS and SDS scores. The younger generation showed higher mean values for MPPS and SDS, except for ON VIG. No significant generational differences were found in well-being subdimensions. WITHD negatively affects interpersonal (β = -0.144; p < 0.05), community (β = -0.172; p < 0.01), psychological (β = -0.128; p < 0.05), general (β = -0.140; p < 0.05), and economic (β = -0.147; p < 0.05) well-being while EM REG negatively affect occupational (β =-0.158; p < 0.05) well-being. Conversely, MULT was positively related to occupational (β = 0.191; p < 0.01) physical (β = 0.131; p< 0.05), and economic (β = 0.124; p < 0.05) well-being.

This study illustrates how smartphones often function as an escape from the real word, underscoring the need to manage and educate their use.