Distinguishing between effectual, ineffectual, and problematic smartphone use: A comprehensive review and conceptual pathways model for future research

Abstract

Smartphones are ubiquitous and offer numerous benefits in daily life. However, the ongoing excessive use of smartphones has been associated with a range of adverse effects, capturing the attention of researchers worldwide. While higher smartphone use is often seen as potentially compulsive or addictive, it is essential to recognise that not all smartphone use is inherently problematic; practical reasons can also contribute to increased or excessive usage. Consequently, distinguishing between purposeful or productive use and excessive or potentially harmful smartphone behaviours is essential. Existing research recognises differences in smartphone usage but lacks depth in its exploration. There is a notable demand for in-depth studies that distinguish between productive and problematic use of smartphones and examine what drives the transition between these behaviours. Therefore, this review critically examines prior research to explain the distinctions among various types of smartphone use and explore the characteristics, reasons, causes, effects, and consequences associated with these behaviours. This article introduces an Integrative Pathways Model (IPM), a conceptual framework designed to explore the reasons behind individuals' active smartphone use. It delves into the specific gratifications users seek from their smartphone use and investigates the various factors that may influence these motivations and, thereby, affect their behaviours. It highlights three distinct yet not mutually exclusive smartphone use-related pathways: effectual use, ineffectual use, and problematic use. This research contributes to enhancing understanding of Problematic Smartphone Use and Dependence (PSUD) by probing into the multifaceted interplay of individual characteristics, social dynamics, and environmental factors. This article underscores the need for a multi-dimensional approach to better understand smartphone usage, acknowledging that increased usage does not always signify problematic behaviour. It also emphasises the increasing demand for practical strategies to effectively manage PSUD.