Excessive use of digital devices: a qualitative study on perceived causes and impact.

Abstract

Digital devices are now used by over 50% of the world's population (Geyser, 2023). This widespread use has raised concerns about the impact of spending excessive time on these devices (Almourad et al., 2020). People use digital devices for various purposes, such as work, communication, and socialising, making them an integral part of daily life (Aleem et al., 2023). The current study aims to explore the experiences of individuals who use digital devices excessively and to understand the perceived causes of this behaviour. Participants were first required to complete a pre-screening survey, and those identified as excessive users were invited to participate in semi-structured interviews. These interviews were conducted with 26 participants, including 3 males and 23 females, aged between 18 and 52. Each interview lasted about 45 minutes, during which participants discussed their digital device usage, the factors leading to excessive use, and the reasons that sustained this behaviour. A Reflexive thematic analysis was employed to identify four key themes related to the perceived causes of excessive digital device usage: using digital devices for essential purposes, enduring reliance since the COVID-19 pandemic, dependence on digital devices for self-regulation, and the fear of missing out (FoMO). The results indicated that either a combination of these factors or a single factor could lead to and sustain excessive use, depending on the individual. The study also found that these causes were not limited to specific types of digital content users, such as gamers or social media users, but were applicable to any excessive digital device user. Additionally, the study examined psychological theories to understand the reasoning behind excessive usage. The findings validate and update existing research on the causes of excessive digital device use. These insights could help future studies better understand the reasons behind excessive usage and develop targeted interventions or treatments to address this issue.