Mobile phone distraction while studying

Abstract

The mobile phone is a breakthrough advance for human communication. But with the plethora of choices available via smartphone, individuals who are deficient in self-regulation or with a propensity for addiction may face challenges in managing these choices strategically. To examine this potential dysfunctional aspect, we examined the effect of multitasking when studying or doing homework and found that both frequency and attention to texting and social media were positively related to mobile phone interference in life (MPIL). However, frequency of music use during study was not associated with MPIL, although allocated attention to music while studying was positively associated with MPIL. Ownership of a smartphone and the number of Facebook friends were positively associated with MPIL and women reported more MPIL than men.

Media multitasking and well-being of university students

“…In line with previous studies on university students' time spent on communication and media activities (Calderwood, Ackerman, & Conklin, 2014;David et al, 2014;, this study identifies three communication contexts of media multitasking: (1) social-interaction activities driven by social needs, which are comprised of face-to-face communication, phone and video chat, texting, and social networking; (2) media-based entertainment activities driven by relaxation, emotional, and entertainment needs, including listening to music, watching TV or videos online, and playing video games; and (3) cognitive activities motivated by cognitive needs, mainly reading and studying (in our sample of university students).…”

“…Media multitasking has become increasingly popular thanks to the versatility and accessibility of computers, smartphones, and tablets, which allow for the seamless integration of work, play, and social interaction (e.g., Carrier, Cheever, Rosen, Benitez, & Chang, 2009;David et al, 2014;Rosen, Mark Carrier, & Cheever, 2013;Srivastava, 2013). A recent investigation in the U.S. (David et al, 2014) revealed the major communication and media activities of undergraduate students on a typical day based upon self-report of 992 respondents.…”

“…A recent investigation in the U.S. (David et al, 2014) revealed the major communication and media activities of undergraduate students on a typical day based upon self-report of 992 respondents. In this study, estimates of time spent on communication and media reached 39 h a day.…”

“…On the one hand, individuals who listen to music while studying do so to make studying fun without too much distraction, and it is one of the most popular multitasking behaviors among university students (David, Kim, Brickman, Ran, & Curtis, 2014). On the other hand, listening to music during a faceto-face conversation is not common and is likely to be viewed as discourteous; it may suggest avoidance of social interaction.…”

“…Specifically, based on recent portrayals of the communication activities of university students (David et al, 2014;, we categorize media multitasking behaviors by their primary task motivation (social, cognitive, and entertainment); we also consider synchronicity, an important characteristic of media multitasking behaviors that determines resource demands (Walther, 1996;Wang et al, 2015).…”