Smartphone usage and dependency in urban and rural Irish adults

Abstract

The aim of the current study was to determine age and gender differences in smartphone usage and dependency in urban and rural Irish settings as dependency on smartphone technology has become a global issue. 250 Irish adult smartphone owners over 18 were recruited. 61 males and 65 females from urban settings and 63 males and 61 females from rural settings. An independent measures design was utilised. An online questionnaire was created comprising of 5 demographic questions, a 4 item self-designed usage questionnaire and a 22 item 'Test of Mobile Phone Dependence' (α = .94). The survey was distributed via social networks. No relationship was found between usage and dependency, statistic (r=.02; p=.35). With respect to 'usage', a significant result was established looking at 'gender' and 'location', however, a non-significant 'age' result was recorded. In terms of 'dependency', participants within the 18-29 age category produced significant findings while no significance was found in relation to 'gender' or 'location'. Overall, it was established that individuals can have high levels of smartphone 'usage' without expressing a 'dependency' on their device. Including different technologies, such as iPads and tablets would give future researchers a broader understanding of individual's usage and dependency on technology.