Smartphone Use Behavior and Quality of Life, Influence of Two Awareness Modes

How does smartphone use behavior affect quality of life factors? In what mental states does smartphone disturb quality of life and when it improves it? The following work suggests new insights into smartphone use behavior, mainly regarding two distinct smartphone modes of use that affect quality of life in opposite ways. The aware smartphone mode of use reflects an active lifestyle, while the unaware mode of use reflects the use of the smartphone in conjunction with other activities. Using data from 215 individuals who reported their quality of life and smartphone use habits, we show that high levels of smartphone use in the unaware mode have a significant negative effect on one’s quality of life. However, the results show a mild and less clear positive effect when the individual demonstrates an aware mode of use. Using structural equation modeling, we identify three latent factors within the quality of life construct and measure the effect of each factor on quality of life. (i) The functioning latent factor, which is an individual’s ability to function well in his or her daily life, is not affected by smartphone use behavior. In contrast, (ii) the competence latent factor, which can be associated with the lack of negative emotions/pain, and (iii) the positive feelings latent factor both show a clear effect with the smartphone-unaware mode of use. Since smartphones are currently an interface between the self and cyber space, as well as between the self and other individuals online, these results are important when considering social wellbeing in relation to digital human behavior, smartphone addiction and a healthy mode of use.