Less time spent on the smartphone leads to more well-being and a healthier lifestyle, according to a new study published in Journal of Experimental Psychology: Applied (2023).
The study compared the impact of a total abstinence from smartphone use versus a reduction of daily smartphone use by 1 hr on well-being and healthy lifestyle among 619 smartphone users in Germany.
Results showed that both interventions reduced smartphone use intensity, problematic use tendencies, depressive, and anxiety symptoms. In both groups, life satisfaction and physical activity increased.
However, most effects were stronger and remained more stable over 4 months in the reduction group than in the abstinence group. Moreover, in the reduction group only, the number of daily smoked cigarettes decreased.
Conclusion
The authors concluded that less time spent on the smartphone leads to more well-being and a healthier lifestyle, but that a complete smartphone abstinence is not necessary.
While this study was not limited to an adolescent sample, it suggests that tobacco prevention and mental health promotion programs should integrate the reduction of smartphone use as an integral component.
Read the study abstract: https://psycnet.apa.org/record/2022-50916-001