Several times over the last year I have listened to fellow student discuss the need for them to ‘digital detox’. They have written blogs about their addiction to social media and the time that they spend on their phones. Lottstheword ‘ I’m a slave 4 U!’, and ‘My name is Sian and I am an addict’ by sianiej79, are just 2 examples of this.
Research has identified the problematic or addictive use of smart phones, i.e. the inability to limit smartphone usage. In an age of technology, internet access, social media and gaming it is recognised that each generation is becoming ever more dependent. There are significant difference between the various generations, Generation X, Y and Z in the usage and dependency on smart devices.
A major contributing factor is that the first ever mobile phones, were just that, a mobile phone. They did not have the numerous features that are standard on today’s smartphones. In addition to, calls and text messages, smartphones facilitate the provision of numerous functions, including continuous access to numerous social media platforms and apps. Smart phones users are believed to experience significant more stress than those who use a more traditional mobile phone.
Generation Y , are recognised as being the transient generation, who were exposed to smart-phones during adolescence, but not in childhood, and are said to becoming more dependant, habitually checking for notifications, content, and mindless scrolling. The most common reason for continuous use of smart phones is for entertainment and ‘killing time’.
Sound notifications, continually reinforce habitual, and addictive checking behaviour. This is said to be due to the emotional gain/gratification that is achieved from usage, killing time and relieving boredom.
The following generation, Generation Z, the youngest demographic of smartphone users, are even more emotionally attached and dependent on their phones. This generation is said to be permanently ‘switched on’ part of the ‘smartphone generation’. There is growing concern for the impact this is having on future generations. Constant pressure to be on-line 24/7, has a negative effect on both user behaviour, the physical mental health and well being not only to the individual but to society as a whole. Since 2014, the World Health Organisation has been undertaking research and activities to assess the implications of excessive use of smart phones and similar devices.
I belong to Generation X, a digital immigrant, a childhood and adolescence absent of mobile technology. Despite this, as a mature student, I have found that I am increasingly dependent on technology, and my smartphone, continually checking for notifications, messages and content updates.
This is largely due to environmental factors, in that I spend a large proportion of my time with fellow students (Generation Y), and have increased my usage, largely from necessity rather than from desire. Group work, messaging, use of social media platforms such as twitter, Linkedin, Messenger and Facebook, are essential parts not only of Public Relations/Marketing, but of student and academic life. I would therefore maintain that a fundamental factor driving smartphone usage is the socio-environment that you are in, along with whether you belong to X, Y or Z.