Antecedents and consequences of smartphone self-extension.

Abstract

The psychological connection between mobile media (e.g., smartphones) and the self is a central consideration of mobile communication scholarship. Using a two-wave panel design (N = 227), we tested potential antecedents and consequences of a key construct that indexes this connection smartphone self-extension. Both functionality and identity self-extension predicted perceiving smartphone use as more enjoyable. Moreover, functionality self-extension was predicted by frequent and habitual smartphone use, whereas identity self-extension was predicted by smartphone use to pass time while bored, problematic smartphone use, and viewing the smartphone as a reflection of self (and predicted less autonomy). These findings pave the way for future research and theory on smartphone self-extension.