Not All Smartphone Use is Equal: Differential Effects of Smartphone Use Purposes on Psychological Well-Being

Past research suggests that smartphone use negatively impacts psychological well-being, but it has often overlooked the role of different smartphone use purposes. In two studies, we investigated how specific types of smartphone use – active and passive social use, news consumption, entertainment, and practical use – relate to psychological well-being. In Study 1, participants (N = 572) completed a cross-sectional online survey assessing self-reported smartphone use and psychological well-being indicators. Multiple regression analyses revealed that passive social smartphone use was linked to lower psychological well-being, while the remaining use purposes were not significantly associated with well-being. In Study 2, participants (N = 496) took part in a 10-day daily diary study, reporting their smartphone use and psychological well-being at the end of the day. Multi-level analyses showed that, at a between-person level, active social use was associated with higher positive affect and stress, while passive social use was linked to worse scores on all indicators of psychological well-being. In contrast, news consumption was associated with better scores on all psychological well-being outcomes. Entertainment was linked to lower positive affect and higher negative affect. Lastly, practical use was linked to higher negative affect and higher stress. At a within-person level, analyses showed that increases in active social use and practical use were linked to higher stress. Collectively, findings from the two studies highlight the nuanced effects of smartphone use on psychological well-being, underscoring the need for a more granular approach to understanding smartphone use and well-being.