Exploring the Relationships of Media Multitasking on Screen Device Addiction Among Internet Users in the United States and Taiwan

• In Event: Negative Effects of Social Media

Abstract

The study explored how screen device usage mediated the relationships between media multitasking and screen device addiction, with the moderating effects from leisure boredom and country of residence. The cross-cultural survey recruited 1,637 Internet users in the United States and Taiwan. The results show that leisure boredom and screen device usage positively predicted screen device addiction. Although media multitasking could not predict addiction directly, time spent on screen devices positively mediated the effects on media multitasking on screen device addition in two countries. Compared with Americans, leisure boredom showed stronger moderating effects on screen device usage and screen device addiction among Taiwanese, especially those with low levels of leisure boredom. Theoretic and practical implications were discussed.

Authors

• Trisha T. C. Lin, Nanyang Technological U

• Anastasia G Kononova, Michigan State U

• Yi-hsuan Chiang, Shih Hsin University