Examining Screen Time Features for Managing Problematic Smartphone Use and Dependence: An Extension of Technology Acceptance Model

Problematic smartphone use and dependence (PSUD) causes significant concerns, often resulting from excessive and habitual smartphone usage beyond functional needs. This study employs a mixed-methods approach with an explanatory sequential design to investigate the factors influencing PSUD, while explicitly focusing on screen time features for management. By integrating the novel concept of the perceived awareness construct into the technology acceptance model (TAM), this study aims to provide unique insights into the role of awareness alongside perceived usefulness and ease of use in managing smartphone behaviours. The quantitative analysis involved a cross-sectional survey of 415 Australian adults aged 18 and older, while the qualitative analysis was based on a thematic analysis of semistructured interviews with 18 participants. The quantitative findings highlight the importance of awareness and the perceived usefulness of screen time features in identifying and managing smartphone behaviours. Participants who lacked awareness of screen time features faced challenges in effective management of PSUD and reported higher concerns about their smartphone use. The qualitative phase further investigated this notion and validated the importance of perceived awareness in screen time feature adoption to manage PSUD. This study highlights the importance of the perceived awareness construct in TAM for evaluating new technologies adoption, particularly in assessing and improving screen time features for managing PSUD.