Title: Factors affecting smartphone dependency of media consumers

Authors: Sylvia Chan-Olmsted; Min Xiao

Addresses: Department of Telecommunication, University of Florida, 3063 Weimer Hall, Gainesville, Florida, 32611, USA ' Department of Advertising, University of Florida, 2041A Weimer Hall, Gainesville, Florida, 32611, USA

Abstract: To examine the phenomenon of smartphone dependency in the context of media consumption, this study explores the roles of dependency on and usage of other media platforms, multiplatform media use, mobile ownership and perceptions, smartphone functions, and various consumer characteristics. The regression result suggests that dependency on computer and television, perceived smartphone fluidity, the smartphone as a primary platform during multiplatform media use, and smartphone's social and mobile-specific functions all play a significant role in the smartphone dependency of young adult media consumers.

Keywords: smartphone dependency; media dependency; multiplatform media use; digital media use; mobile devices; smartphone functions; consumer characteristics; media consumers.

DOI: 10.1504/IJMC.2019.098595

International Journal of Mobile Communications, 2019 Vol.17 No.3, pp.353 - 375

Received: 10 Sep 2016
Accepted: 02 Nov 2017
Published online: 28 Mar 2019 *

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