Screen time, phone usage, and social media usage: Before and during the COVID-19 pandemic

Abstract

Objective Technology use has increased in the past several years, especially among younger generations. The COVID-19 pandemic drastically changed how people work, learn, and interact, with many utilizing technology for daily tasks and socializing. Methods The current study investigated a sample of college students using a cross-sectional design to determine whether there was a change in how much time students spent on screens, phones, and social media. Results Findings indicated that time on screens and phones was significantly higher during the pandemic; however, time spent on social media did not differ significantly. Conclusion These findings suggest that students are spending more time working and socializing on their screens and phones, yet social media may not be the platform in which students are doing this. Future studies should further explore technology usage and whether these trends during the COVID-19 pandemic will be lasting.

Do millennials’ personalities and smartphone use result in materialism? The mediating role of addiction

“…Undoubtedly, smartphones can offer millennials access to creating new opportunities for self-expression, exploration and creativity (Erdem and Uzun, 2022;Sfeir et al, 2023). Furthermore, past studies have shown that smartphones offer a platform for self-expression, for instance, via social media, that encourages selfactualisation and personal growth connected to openness (Livingstone, 2008;Talbot and Briggs, 2022;Voss et al, 2023). As such, an increase in openness to experience will likely increase millennials' habitual smartphone use as they seek out and embrace these opportunities provided by their devices (Tovar et al, 2023).…”

Chronic Neck Pain Prevalence Before and After COVID-19 Restrictions and Its Relationship With Digital Device Screen Viewing: A Population Study

“…During the lockdown and social distancing measures implemented amidst the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic, the utilization of DDCI, such as smartphones, desktop computers, laptops, and tablets, increased due to the popularization of remote work, education, entertainment, and social interaction [ 15 , 16 ]. Particularly, Peru declared a state of emergency in March 2020, leading to the implementation of social distancing measures, including quarantine [ 17 ].…”

The importance of belonging for well-being in college students

“…The transition from high school requires that students, who are already navigating myriad psychological changes during mid-to late-adolescence [2], adapt to unfamiliar academic and social environments while coping with newfound independence and novel living arrangements [3]. The widespread adoption of virtual instruction since the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic has created new barriers to connecting and increased students' screen time, which is associated with depression, anxiety, and stress [4,5]. These factors, coupled with increased sedentary time [6], pressure to succeed, and stress related to academic performance and post-graduation plans [7], contribute to the poor mental health of many undergraduates.…”