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BMC Public Health
Published in: BMC Public Health 1/2024

Open Access 01-12-2024 | Research

Smartphone usage and overdependence risk among middle-aged and older adults: a cross-sectional study

Authors: Su Hyun Kim, Young Hoon Kim, Chang-Hyung Lee, YounYoung Lee

Published in: BMC Public Health | Issue 1/2024

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Abstract

Background

Previous studies have predominantly focused on smartphone overdependence among adolescents and young adults. However, as smartphone usage has recently surged among South Korean middle-aged and older adults, the risk of smartphone overdependence cannot be overlooked among this population. Therefore, this study was conducted to examine the smartphone usage pattern and the associated risk of overdependence in this specific age group.

Methods

The data for individuals who aged 50 or older were extracted from the dataset of a nationwide survey, “The Survey on Smartphone Overdependence, 2021,” and the usage of each type of smartphone content and risk of smartphone overdependence among individuals in their 50 s and 60 s were investigated. Age-group-based differences in demographic characteristics, Smartphone Overdependence Scale scores, self-awareness of smartphone overdependence, digital literacy, and psychosocial factors were analyzed. Additionally, a multivariable logistic regression analysis was conducted to explore the factors associated with the potential-to-high risk of smartphone overdependence in both age groups.

Results

Individuals in their 50s had significantly higher digital literacy, social relations, life satisfaction, and smartphone overdependence scores than those in their 60s, and the percentage of individuals in the high-risk group was also higher in the 50s age group. For both age groups, the most used content was “messenger,” “news,” and “movies/TV/videos,” whereas the least used content was e-learning, gambling, and adult content. The multivariable analysis indicated that, for individuals in their 50s, having a lower educational level was associated with significantly higher odds, whereas having a job and utilizing e-commerce-related contents on smartphone were associated with significantly lower odds of potential-to-high risk for smartphone overdependence. Concerning individuals in their 60s, having a lower educational level and using adult content or gambling were significantly associated with higher odds of potential-to-high risk for smartphone overdependence.

Conclusion

This study reveals the risk of smartphone overdependence among middle-aged and older adults in South Korea as well as the associated risk factors. This will assist policymakers in developing policies for the appropriate use of smartphones by these age groups.
Appendix
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Metadata
Title
Smartphone usage and overdependence risk among middle-aged and older adults: a cross-sectional study
Authors
Su Hyun Kim
Young Hoon Kim
Chang-Hyung Lee
YounYoung Lee
Publication date
01-12-2024
Publisher
BioMed Central
Published in
BMC Public Health / Issue 1/2024
Electronic ISSN: 1471-2458
DOI
https://doi.org/10.1186/s12889-024-17873-8

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