Toward an integrated framework for examining the addictive use of smartphones among young adults

Introduction: Despite the growing concern over addictive smartphone use among young adults, there is a lack of understanding of the specific mechanisms underlying this phenomenon. This study aims to fill this gap by integrating the stimulus-organism-response–cognitive-adaptive-normative model to examine the drivers of habitual smartphone behavior and addictive use and the role of habitual behavior as a mediator. Methods: A quantitative method employing a purposive sampling technique was used to collect self-administered online questionnaires between May and August 2016 from 705 young adults (aged 17–30 years) in Malaysia. Partial least squares structural equation modeling was used. Results: Convenience (β =0.256, t = 5.993, P < 0.001), social needs (β =0.349, t = 8.661, P < 0.001), and social influence (β =0.108, t = 3.108, P < 0.01) are positively associated with habitual behavior. However, convenience (β =0.041, t = 0.997) and social needs (β = −0.027, t = 0.682) are not associated with addictive use, even though social influence (β =0.195, t = 5.116, P < 0.001) did significantly influenced addictive use. Furthermore, habitual behavior is an extremely strong determinant of addictive use (β =0.505, t = 13.837, P < 0.001). The results also indicated that habitual behavior partially mediated the relationship between the drivers and addictive use. Conclusion: This study emphasizes the importance of the drivers (i.e., convenience, social needs, and social influence) in shaping habitual behavior and addictive use so that policies can promote responsible and healthy smartphone use among young adults.