O tempo de uso de smartphone e a sua relação com a dependência de uso e o sentimento de solidão

Abstract

Nowadays, we live in an increasingly dynamic society that seeks practicality, efficiency and speed in all daily activities. In this context, smartphones emerge that seek to optimize everyday practices, which are capable of improving performance through the various existing features and applications. However, it requires attention when such devices are used in a problematic and excessive way, causing psychosocial problems, such as loneliness. In this sense, the present research aims to analyze a possible relationship between loneliness, frequency of smartphone use and smartphone dependence. To this end, the need to explain literary knowledge about Information and Communications Technologies (ICTs) was perfected; Mobile and Wireless Information Technologies (TIMS); Excessive use and problematic smartphone use, as well as feelings of loneliness. With regard to the methodological procedure, the research is characterized as Descriptive with a Quantitative approach with primary data collected from the Survey method, applied individually and online. Insta points out that the collection instrument included measuring the frequency of smartphone use, adapting the Dependency Scale and adapting the Loneliness Scale (UCLA). A total of 548 responses were collected, 534 of which were valid and 515 were analyzed. As for the sample population, it consists of individuals who own Smartphone devices. The collected data were initially analyzed using Descriptive Statistics to understand the sociodemographic profiles of the participants and measure the time spent using the smartphone device; subsequently, Simple Linear Regression analysis was performed using the SPSS program in order to test the hypotheses. After analyzing the results, it was found that the variable time of use has an influence on smartphone dependence; but it showed no influence on solitude; in addition, the smartphone dependency variable indicated a relationship with loneliness. Finally, the study proved that the longer the time of use on the smartphone device, the greater the individual's tendency to be dependent and the more dependent, the greater the propensity to become lonely.