Dark side of smartphone applications and its consequence to the Asian society

Purpose: The usage of smartphone is interfering in many social activities including unwanted interference in the interpersonal communication. Eventually, people are becoming addicted to smartphones. In this context, the purpose of this study is to identify the factors impacting smartphone addiction (SPA) that causes disruption to social life. Design/methodology/approach: With inputs from literature and theories, some hypotheses have been formulated and a conceptual model has been developed. The model later has been validated statistically using structural equation modelling technique with survey method involving 302 smartphone users in India. Findings: The result shows that loneliness, stress and depression are the principal factors impacting addiction of smartphone to the individuals depending on their age and gender. Also, the addiction is found to be responsible for disruption of social life. Research limitations/implications: This study has scholarly and policy implications from the social perspectives. This study cannot be generalizable as it uses limited sample. Also, this study achieved 72% explanative power of the proposed model. This has been achieved with consideration of the existing variables. Consideration of other factors could have improved the model. Practical implications: This study provides an improved model which can be used by the policymakers and practitioners towards framing the appropriate policy regarding smartphone usage by the individuals. This study also highlights that there is a need of a regulatory authority to monitor and restrict the smartphone usage by the young individuals who may potentially become addicted to it. This study also highlights the need for an enforceable regulation for the content showing through smartphone. Originality/value: This study provides a unique theoretical model with an explanative power as high as 72%. There are limited studies which show the determinants of SPA and its consequences from social and psychological perspective in the Asian context. This study also adds to the body of knowledge regarding dark side of technology addiction. Thus, from these perspectives, this study can be considered as a unique study.