Mobile Multitasking in Urban Contexts: Habituation and Countermeasures

摘要

With the increase in adoption of mobile electronic devices such as smartphones, it becomes more and more important to address the risks associated with their use. As such, this research paper addresses the behavior and habit formation of mobile multitasking, i.e., the use of a mobile IT device while performing a motor task such as walking, and its negative impacts on the individual's performance and safety. To have a better understanding on how different counter-measures impact the behavior of mobile multitasking in the short term as well as the habit of mobile multitasking in the long term, the present research paper introduces a classification of the different countermeasures that are put in place to curb the risks of mobile IT multitasking in an urban context. Then, it proposes a conceptual framework that explains the mechanisms and the impacts of the deterrent countermeasures as well as the preventive countermeasures on both the behavior of mobile multitasking and the habit formation of mobile multitasking.