Citation

Karsay K, Schmuck D, Matthes J, Stevic A. Cyberpsychol. Behav. Soc. Netw. 2019; 22(11): 706-713.

Affiliation

Department of Communication, University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria.

Copyright

(Copyright © 2019, Mary Ann Liebert Publishers)

DOI

10.1089/cyber.2019.0255

PMID

31697600

Abstract

The present study investigates how excessive smartphone use predicts users' stress and loneliness while taking the moderating role of online self-disclosure into account. We conducted a two-wave panel survey with a quota sample of smartphone users (n = 461 at time 2 [T2]). We found no direct effects of excessive smartphone use on stress or loneliness. However, our results showed that online self-disclosure moderates the postulated relationships. That is, excessive smartphone use (time 1 [T1]) predicts increased stress (T2), for those smartphone users who do engage in little online self-disclosure. However, for those who communicate their feelings, anxieties, and problems online, excessive smartphone use (T1) can even reduce loneliness (T2) and relieve stress (T2).

Language: en

Keywords

excessive use; loneliness; self-disclosure; smartphone use; stress