First aid in the pocket: The psychosocial benefits of smartphones in self-threatening situations. (April 2023)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Schneider, Frank M.; Rieger, Diana; Hopp, Frederic R.
• Is Part Of: Computers in human behavior. Volume 141(2023)
• Publication Date: 2023-04
• Subjects: Smartphone -- Social media -- Self-threat -- Ostracism -- Belongingness -- Need restoration -- Coping; Interactive computer systems -- Periodicals; Man-machine systems -- Periodicals; 004.019
• DOI: 10.1016/j.chb.2022.107629
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0747-5632

Abstract

Abstract: When people feel socially threatened and excluded, they could use their mobile phones to reconnect with others and feel better. We assumed that such positive results can occur even if mobile phones are not actively used. Rather, it may suffice if users believe that carrying a mobile phone ensures social connection. This mindset may help users recover a sense of belonging during self-threatening situations. In two experiments, we asked whether the smartphone as a physical device or its symbolic representation can aid in everyday self-threatening situations. In Study 1 ( N = 74), participants with their smartphones in their pockets experienced less threatened belongingness than those who were deprived of their smartphones. In Study 2 ( N = 419), participants who encountered a smartphone symbol with social apps after feeling socially excluded recovered better than those who encountered a symbol with informational apps, but showed no difference in recovery compared to those who encountered no symbol at all. Findings support the idea that smartphones can 'physically' buffer against social threats and partially serve as subtle reminders of social bonds. Highlights: Smartphones as physical devices and symbols represent social bonds and affiliation. Beyond mere use, they can help users deal with feeling ostracized. With smartphones in the pocket, users felt less socially threatened than without. Social app cues reduced feeling ostracized better than information app cues. Social app cues reduced feeling ostracized not better than providing no cues at all.