Smartphone Restriction and Its Effect on Subjective Withdrawal Related Scores

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.

Analysis of Problematic Smartphone Use Across Different Age Groups within the ‘Components Model of Addiction’

“…When respondents cannot use their smartphone, they experience negative feelings, leading to withdrawal symptoms and fear of missing out (Eide et al 2018;Stieger and Lewetz 2018). In the present study, 20-34-year-olds reported this component the most, but the results also showed that withdrawal occurred among the 35-50 and 50+ age groups.…”

Can Simulated Nature Support Mental Health? Comparing Short, Single-Doses of 360-Degree Nature Videos in Virtual Reality With the Outdoors

“…The corollary to smartphone restriction -constant smartphone use -is associated with higher levels of negative affect (Horwood and Anglim, 2019). Studies on short breaks from smartphone use is limited, and the potential anxiety-provoking experiences related to "fear of missing out" (FOMO) from social media has largely been studied during longer periods of restriction than 6 min (Eide et al, 2018;Stieger and Lewetz, 2018). Investigations on the mood effects from short-term smartphone restriction is needed to investigate this potential explanation.…”

Chinese Consumers’ Herd Consumption Behavior Related to Korean Luxury Cosmetics: The Mediating Role of Fear of Missing Out

“…Fear of missing out describes people's fear of detachment and the desire to stay continually connected with what others are doing (Kang et al, 2019). It is usually regarded as a personality trait that leads to self-initiated behavior, and may cause individuals to neglect activities that are more compatible with their interests, goals, and values (Eide et al, 2018). In consumer behavior, FoMO is viewed as a social phenomenon that leaves people feeling alienated from their current experiences (Kang et al, 2019).…”

“…As members of society, consumers have connections with family, schoolmates, colleagues, neighbors, and social groups in their daily lives. Individuals with a high level of FoMO tend to be more aware of what others are doing, and seek to meet their needs in order to connect with others (Eide et al, 2018). The expectation of praise from others may reflect an individual's need to seek novelty.…”