The Relationship Between Types of Smartphone Use, Digital Literacy, and Smartphone Addiction in the Elderly

Abstract

Objective There is limited understanding of which specific factors relate to smartphone addiction in the elderly. The aim of this study was to examine the relationship between types of smartphone use, digital literacy, and smartphone addiction in the elderly.Methods It used data from a survey on smartphone overdependence by the South Korea National Information Society Agency in 2019. Participants were 3,121 older people (1,627 males, 1,494 females; mean age=63.83 [standard deviation=2.88 years]). We conducted hierarchical multiple regression analysis.Results The results of a hierarchical multiple regression analysis indicated that smartphone usage time was positively related to smartphone addiction. Entertainment-seeking and life service types of smartphone use, and digital literacy were positively associated with smartphone addiction. Conversely, smartphone use for information-seeking and communication-seeking was negatively related to smartphone addiction.Conclusion This study suggests that it is necessary to understand different types of smartphone uses in the elderly and to educate the elderly on digital literacy to prevent smartphone addiction. In future studies, it will be necessary to re-confirm the relationship between smartphone usage type, digital literacy, and smartphone addiction in the elderly (including participants in their 70s or older).

Risks and protection: a qualitative study on the factors for internet addiction among elderly residents in Southwest China communities

“…This phenomenon is closely tied to the widespread adoption of smartphones globally, as they surpass other information and communication technology devices (including desktop computers, laptops, and tablets, etc.) in terms of portability, immediacy, and convenience [ 55 , 56 ]. Consequently, smartphones have become the primary medium for accessing the internet and an integral component of contemporary life [ 55 ].…”

“…in terms of portability, immediacy, and convenience [ 55 , 56 ]. Consequently, smartphones have become the primary medium for accessing the internet and an integral component of contemporary life [ 55 ]. The increasing use of smartphones among the elderly is emerging as a common trend [ 57 ].…”

“…The increasing use of smartphones among the elderly is emerging as a common trend [ 57 ]. Diminished social roles and the deterioration of offline relationships may lead to greater reliance on smartphones among the older population, potentially resulting in addiction to these devices [ 55 ]. This bears many similarities to IA and promises to become a social issue of concern [ 55 ].…”

“…Diminished social roles and the deterioration of offline relationships may lead to greater reliance on smartphones among the older population, potentially resulting in addiction to these devices [ 55 ]. This bears many similarities to IA and promises to become a social issue of concern [ 55 ]. Furthermore, it is believed that this trend to some extent reflects the prevalent modern phenomenon known as “nomophobia,” which refers to the concern or fear of being unable to use or connect with others through smartphones [ 58 ].…”

The Relationship between Smartphone Use Motives, Social Capital, Digital Literacy, and Life Satisfaction in Elderly Koreans

“…Smartphone use motives: smartphone use motives were classified into three types—leisure, communication, and lifestyle ( 23 , 43 – 44 ). Leisure consisted of items such as games, movies/TV/videos, music, radio/podcasts, e-books/webtoons/web novels, adult content, and speculative games (sports betting, online gambling, etc.).…”