Addictive, Dependent, Compulsive? A Study of Mobile Phone Usage

Abstract

In order to address the claims that mobile phone usage is addictive, a study was undertaken to categorize mobile phone usage behaviour based on the underlying motivation. Six categories were identified: addictive, compulsive, dependent, habitual, voluntary and mandatory. A survey of 184 students found that the behaviour cannot be conclusively categorized as any specific type, although there was stronger support for mobile phone usage being categorized as dependent, voluntary or mandatory behaviour, rather than being addictive, compulsive or habitual.