A Social Influence Account of Problematic Smartphone Use

摘要

By collecting data of a large sample, this study investigated the predictive power of social influence factors and psychological factor for the problematic use of the smartphone app LINE, which characterizes both smart-phone and social media, and has become the most popular app in Taiwan. Results indicated self-esteem and social skill predict negatively, and subject norms and social identity predict positively for the addiction. These results highlight that the social influence factors are more influential than psychological factors for the addictive use of smartphones. People with the problems in using smartphone are inclined to be eager to obtain others' approval; they long for the sense of belonging and a satisfying relationship with others, but they probably lack or neglect of the consensus for into the group due to their deficiency in self-esteem and social skill.