Persistent Smartphone Overuse in the Digital Era: A Multi-Theoretical Perspective

DOI

10.2991/978-2-38476-569-0_25How to use a DOI?

Keywords

Smartphone overuse; reinforced habit; rational adaptation; multi-theoretical perspective

Abstract

Overuse of the smartphone is a common issue in modern society, and it is increasingly concerning due to its negative impact on mental health, behavior, and social interaction. This study investigates the reasons why people are aware of the harmful effects of smartphones, yet still use these devices excessively. Based on various theoretical perspectives, the study combines behavioural psychology and motivational theory with perspectives on cognitive adaptation, and a critical approach to digital design. First, operant conditioning theory is introduced to elaborate on the effects of positive and negative reinforcement on the development of habitual smartphone use. Second, Maslow’s hierarchy of needs demonstrates that a smartphone can satisfy a user’s need for belonging, esteem, and cognitive development. Third, from the perspective of successful intelligence, it explains why high levels of smartphone engagement in learning contexts is a rational choice in a digital and post-pandemic era. Finally, the paper discusses how algorithmic design and surveillance capitalism contribute to the entrenchment of user dependency through digital manipulation. Together, these theoretical frameworks represent a holistic explanation of ongoing smartphone overuse and have potential implications for digital well-being.

Copyright

© 2026 The Author(s)

Open Access

Open Access This chapter is licensed under the terms of the Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial 4.0 International License (http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc/4.0/), which permits any noncommercial use, sharing, adaptation, distribution and reproduction in any medium or format, as long as you give appropriate credit to the original author(s) and the source, provide a link to the Creative Commons license and indicate if changes were made.

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TY  - CONF
AU  - Zoe Zeyu Lu
PY  - 2026
DA  - 2026/05/01
TI  - Persistent Smartphone Overuse in the Digital Era: A Multi-Theoretical Perspective
BT  - Proceedings of the 3rd International Conference on Educational Development and Social Sciences (EDSS 2026)
PB  - Atlantis Press
SP  - 197
EP  - 203
SN  - 2352-5398
UR  - https://doi.org/10.2991/978-2-38476-569-0_25
DO  - 10.2991/978-2-38476-569-0_25
ID  - Lu2026
ER  -