An exploration of motives that influence problematic smartphone use in young adults

Beau Mostyn Sullivan, Amanda M. George and Debra Rickwood

Behaviour and Information Technology, 2025, vol. 44, issue 9, 1886-1900

Abstract: Problematic smartphone use (PSU) is particularly prevalent among young people and refers to uncontrolled smartphone use that results in harm or functional impairment. The pathway model asserts that there are distinct patterns of PSU (addictive, antisocial, and risky smartphone use). Motives may be key factors in the aetiology of PSU. However, most of the research investigating which motives influence PSU has measured smartphone use motives by adapting items designed to assess motives for other forms of media. This approach is a limitation, as it may miss motives unique to the context of smartphone use. Addressing this, the present study used a qualitative approach to investigate which motives may influence distinct patterns of PSU. Reflexive thematic analysis of focus group data (N = 25 participants aged 18–25 years) indicated that smartphone use to cope with discomfort (low mood and anxiety, social awkwardness, boredom, safety), obtain rewards (validation, pleasure), conform to perceived social norms, and for their instrumental value differentially motivated addictive, antisocial, and risky patterns of PSU. Some of these motives (social awkwardness, feel safe, and conform) are not well represented by current measures of smartphone use motives. Therefore, a new comprehensive measure of smartphone use motives may be needed.

Date: 2025
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DOI: 10.1080/0144929X.2024.2380102

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