The Conceptual and Methodological Mayhem of “Screen Time”

Linda K. Kaye, Amy Orben, David A. Ellis, Simon C. Hunter and Stephen Houghton
Additional contact information
Linda K. Kaye: Department of Psychology, Edge Hill University, Ormskirk L39 4QP, UK
Amy Orben: Emmanuel College, University of Cambridge, Cambridge CB2 3AP, UK
David A. Ellis: School of Management, University of Bath, Bath BA2 7AY, UK
Simon C. Hunter: Department of Psychology, Glasgow Caledonian University, Glasgow G4 0BA, UK
Stephen Houghton: Graduate School of Education, University of Western Australia, 6009 Perth, Australia

IJERPH, 2020, vol. 17, issue 10, 1-10

Abstract: Debates concerning the impacts of screen time are widespread. Existing research presents mixed findings, and lacks longitudinal evidence for any causal or long-term effects. We present a critical account of the current shortcomings of the screen time literature. These include poor conceptualisation, the use of non-standardised measures that are predominantly self-report, and issues with measuring screen time over time and context. Based on these issues, we make a series of recommendations as a basis for furthering academic and public debate. These include drawing on a user-focused approach in order to seek the various affordances gained from “screen use”. Within this, we can better understand the way in which these vary across time and context, and make distinction between objective measures of “screen time” compared to those more subjective experiences of uses or affordances, and the differential impacts these may bring.

Keywords: screen time; screen use; well-being; social media; self-reports; methods; affordances (search for similar items in EconPapers)
JEL-codes: I I1 I3 Q Q5 (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Date: 2020
References: View references in EconPapers View complete reference list from CitEc
Citations: View citations in EconPapers (1)

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