Permanently online – Permanently connected: Explorations into university students' use of social media and mobile smart devices. (October 2016)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Vorderer, Peter; Krömer, Nicola; Schneider, Frank M.
• Is Part Of: Computers in human behavior. Volume 63(2016)
• Page Start: 694
• Page End: 703
• Publication Date: 2016-10
• Subjects: Mobile smart device use -- Permanently online -- Permanently connected -- Mobile media use -- Online behavior -- University students; Interactive computer systems -- Periodicals; Man-machine systems -- Periodicals; 004.019
• DOI: 10.1016/j.chb.2016.05.085
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0747-5632

Abstract

Abstract: Background: With the availability of mobile smart devices, many adolescents have developed the habit of being online and connected with other users almost all the time. Objective: The aim of this paper is to provide a definition of being permanently online (PO) and permanently connected (PC) and to explore students' current PO/PC behaviors. Methods: An online survey was conducted with 178 university students in Germany to explore the intensity of their PO/PC behaviors in various social situations, the differences in being PO and being PC, students' feelings about a possible loss of Internet access, and their online responding behaviors. We also shed some light on the associations between being PO/PC and various aspects of well-being, as well as between PO/PC and demographics and lifestyle. Results: Smart device usage behaviors at night and behaviors in various social situations during the day indicate that PO and PC behaviors are occurring frequently. The results show that being connected to others (PC) seems to be more relevant to the participants than browsing the web (PO). Moreover, the participants expressed strong emotional responses about a temporary loss of Internet access. Coping behaviors in response to increasing number of incoming messages and permanent availability are reported. Conclusion: This exploratory study demonstrates the relevance of the concepts of being PO and PC to students, and points out further research gaps. Highlights: Being connected to others was more important than browsing the web on smartphones. Students preferred to have their devices turned on/lying close to them at night. The majority of the respondents felt an urgency to reply to messages quickly. Strong emotional feelings were expressed when individuals lost internet access. Participants in a romantic partnership showed lower PO/PC scores.