Studying problems, not problematic usage: Do mobile checking habits increase procrastination and decrease well-being?

Most prior research on the effects of mobile and social media well-being has worked from either “technology addiction” or “screen time” approach. Yet these frameworks struggle with considerable conceptual methodological limitations. The present study discusses tests an established but understudied alternative, technology habit Instead conflating usage problems (i.e., addictive/problematic usage) ignoring users’ psychological engagement mobiles screen time), this approach investigates how person-level (habit strength) day-level aspects habits (perceived interruptions urge to check) contribute a key problem outcome, procrastination, as well affective meaningfulness. In five-day diary N = 532 student smartphone users providing 2,331 entries, checking strength, perceived interruptions, check together explained small moderate amounts procrastination. Procrastination, in turn, was linked lower showed only very no direct associations By separating habitual connectivity outcomes measures, demonstrates promising alternative digital well-being.