Digital detox: The effect of smartphone abstinence on mood, anxiety, and craving. (December 2019)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Wilcockson, T.D.W.; Osborne, A.M.; Ellis, D.A.
• Is Part Of: Addictive behaviors. Volume 99(2019)
• Publication Date: 2019-12
• Subjects: Substance abuse -- Periodicals; Alcoholism -- Periodicals; Drug addiction -- Periodicals; Nicotine addiction -- Periodicals; Smoking -- Periodicals; Gambling -- Psychological aspects -- Periodicals; Electronic journals; 362.29
• DOI: 10.1016/j.addbeh.2019.06.002
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0306-4603

Abstract

Abstract: Whether behavioural addictions should be conceptualised using a similar framework to substance-related addictions remains a topic of considerable debate. Previous literature has developed criteria, which allows any new behavioural addiction to be considered analogous to substance-related addictions. These imply that abstinence from a related object (e.g., smartphones for heavy smartphone users) would lead to mood fluctuations alongside increased levels of anxiety and craving. In a sample of smartphone users, we measured three variables (mood, anxiety, and craving) on four occasions, which included a 24-hour period of smartphone abstinence. Only craving was affected following a short period of abstinence. The results suggest that heavy smartphone usage does not fulfil the criteria required to be considered an addiction. This may have implications for other behavioural addictions. Highlights: Investigates the impact of smartphone abstinence on mood, anxiety, and craving. Participants had to abstain from using their smartphone for 24 hours. Levels of craving increased following smartphone abstinence. Mood and anxiety were unaffected following smartphone abstinence.