Adolescents’ smartphone use in family interactions: acceptability, behavior, and consequences
Abstract
This study investigates the relationship between children’s acceptability of smartphone use during family interactions, their actual usage behavior, and the perceived negative consequences on family dynamics. Grounded in the Theory of Planned Behavior and the Technology Acceptance Model, it hypothesizes that higher acceptability leads to more frequent smartphone use and, subsequently, to more negative consequences during family interactions. A longitudinal design was employed with data collected across four waves from 284 children aged 11 to 15. Children self-reported their perceptions of smartphone use acceptability (wave 2), their smartphone use behavior (wave 3), and the consequences of such use in parent-child interactions (wave 4). Structural equation modeling revealed no direct effect of acceptability on negative consequences but demonstrated significant indirect effects through actual smartphone use behavior, particularly in indirect family interactions. Findings underscore that children's perceived acceptability of smartphone use contributes to usage patterns that may disrupt family communication, especially in contexts where attention is shared but not focused. The results highlight the importance of addressing both cognitive and behavioral aspects of digital media use in family life and suggest the need for educational interventions aimed at promoting mindful smartphone use among children and their families.
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References
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