Smart phone addiction and mindfulness: an intergenerational comparison

Abstract

Purpose

Young consumers are particularly vulnerable to the addictive nature of smart phone technology. This paper aims to investigate the smart phone addiction cycle and health outcomes of young and old consumers from the lens of consumers’ mindfulness traits.

Design/methodology/approach

Qualitative and quantitative studies reveal that the lack of mindfulness, measured as a mindless trait, is strongly associated with smart phone addictions and health and quality of life outcomes.

Findings

Differences in mindlessness and smart phone-generated health outcomes are found between younger and older consumers. The negative impact of mindlessness on quality of life was greater for younger adults than older adults.

Research limitations/implications

This research establishes baseline effects between the mindless trait and smart phone addiction levels.

Practical implications

Paper suggests the marketing of mindfulness programs and the use of marketplace apps to combat addiction issues.

Social implications

Smart phone addiction is a growing problem, and this paper contributes to the understanding of the problem and offers societal solutions for its resolution.

Originality/value

This is the first empirical paper to investigate the connection between a mindless trait and smart phone tendencies and resulting health outcomes.

Citation

Kim, K., Milne, G.R. and Bahl, S. (2018), "Smart phone addiction and mindfulness: an intergenerational comparison", International Journal of Pharmaceutical and Healthcare Marketing, Vol. 12 No. 1, pp. 25-43. https://doi.org/10.1108/IJPHM-08-2016-0044