Are smartphones really that bad? Improving the psychological measurement of technology-related behaviors

• Published in: Computers in human behavior Vol. 97; pp. 60 - 66
• Main Author: Ellis, David A.
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: Elmsford Elsevier Ltd 01.08.2019; Elsevier Science Ltd
• Subjects: Behavioral analytics; New technology; Psychometrics; Smartphones; Technology use; Technology utilization; Smartphones; Psychometrics; Behavioral analytics; Technology use
• ISSN: 0747-5632; 1873-7692
• DOI: 10.1016/j.chb.2019.03.006

Understanding how people use technology remains important, particularly when measuring the impact this might have on individuals and society. To date, research within psychological science often frames new technology as problematic with overwhelmingly negative consequences. However, this paper argues that the latest generation of psychometric tools, which aim to assess smartphone usage, are unable to capture technology related experiences or behaviors. As a result, many conclusions concerning the psychological impact of technology use remain unsound. Current assessments have also failed to keep pace with new methodological developments and these data-intensive approaches challenge the notion that smartphones and related technologies are inherently problematic. The field should now consider how it might re-position itself conceptually and methodologically given that many ‘addictive’ technologies have long since become intertwined with daily life. •Reviews methods that aim to measure smartphone and related technology usage.•Highlights inconsistencies between self-report and objective measurements.•Conclusions surrounding the psychological impact of technology use are problematic.•Considers how research can conceptually and methodologically move forward.