Boredom and digital media use
a systematic review and meta-analysis
Additional information
Authors
Camerini A. L.,
Morlino S.,
Marciano L.
Type
Journal Article
Year
2023
Language
English
Abstract
Nowadays, digital media, especially smartphones, allow to alleviate boredom quickly and conveniently. Numerous studies investigated the relationship between boredom and digital media use, including problematic use. However, a comprehensive overview of these studies is still missing. Following a systematic database search and screening process, we identified 59 empirical studies on boredom and (problematic) digital media use published since 2003. Most studies were cross-sectional (n=52) and focused on problematic use (n=32). The meta-analysis showed a medium-to-large positive association (r=.342) between boredom and problematic digital media use, whereas a small-to-medium association (r=.084) was found for boredom and digital media use. Sub- group analyses showed no differences with respect to sample characteristics, study design, boredom measures, and type of digital media use. However, studies investigating general Internet use reported a stronger association with boredom. Future research should use longitudinal designs to disentangle the direction of the association between boredom and (problematic) digital media use.
Keywords
Boredom , Digital media use , Problematic use , Review , Meta-analysis
Journal
Computers in Human Behavior Reports
Volume
11
Pages (or article number)
100313
Diffusion
License
CC BY
Visibility
Public
Status open access
Gold
