Do technologies distract users? Investigating technology experience vs. user wellbeing

Area of Science:

• Information Systems
• Human-Computer Interaction
• Digital Transformation

Background:

• Digital transformation offers convenience but introduces complexities like technology interruption and distraction.
• Individuals often receive multiple communications during technology use, leading to task switching.
• Existing research on the disruptive effects of communication technologies on user experience is limited.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate the disruptive role of parallel communications in technology consumption experiences.
• To examine how parallel communications impact time constraints and distractions.
• To understand the behavioral consequences of these disruptions on user experience.

Main Methods:

• The study employed two experiments to analyze the effects of parallel communications.
• SmartPLS was utilized for data analysis.
• Study 1 focused on time constraints, while Study 2 examined distractions and task deterioration.

Main Results:

• Parallel communications were found to induce both distractions and time pressure.
• Individuals experienced technology differently under time constraints or distraction.
• Returning to the original task became difficult, impairing flow, pace, and cognitive understanding.

Conclusions:

• Parallel communications significantly deteriorate the technology consumption experience.
• Findings offer theoretical insights into the behavioral impacts of communication technologies.
• Practical implications suggest a need to manage communication flows for better user engagement.