Exploring the Relationship Between Mobile Phone Usage Patterns and Health Habits Across Age, Education, Occupation and More (Preprint)
Authors: Wang Ting , Seiger Anja Seiger , Markowetz Alexander Markowetz , Andone Ionut Andone , Błaszkiewicz Konrad Błaszkiewicz , Penzel Thomas Penzel 
Published: May 2024

BACKGROUND

According to Statista, by 2024, the global number of mobile phone users is set to reach an astounding 6.93 billion, equating to 85.74% of the world's population. This figure is expected to soar beyond 7.7 billion by 2028.
Mobile phone technology also brings with it a plethora of physical and psychological challenges. Physical ailments include issues such as head and neck discomfort, tendonitis, and eye-related issues like eye strain, blurred vision, and acute acquired esotropia. Psychologically, excessive mobile phone use has been linked to concerns such as mobile phone phobia, heightened anxiety, depression, and various sleep disturbances. Excessive mobile phone usage can lead to various sleep-related issues. such as disrupted sleep patterns, diminished sleep quality, delayed onset of sleep, shortened overall sleep duration, and daytime dysfunction. Such stimulations can be significant contributing factors to the onset of insomnia. This growing awareness has heightened concerns regarding the impact of mobile phone use on health, particularly on sleep quality and patterns.
Existing studies predominantly focus on the connection between mobile phone use after lights-out and sleep disorders, with less attention given to the factors affecting nighttime usage. To fill this research gap, our study conducted a retrospective analysis of mobile phone usage among 1,074 individuals from diverse groups, utilizing data collected via the Murmuras app.

OBJECTIVE

this study aimed to explore the differences and correlations in daily mobile phone usage and non-usage during nighttime across various user demographics.

METHODS

the research employed retrospective analysis, utilizing data obtained from the Murmuras app from January 1, 2022, to December 31, 2022. The study included 1,074 participants, categorized by gender, age, education, employment status, and mobile phone usage type. We used statistical analyses to investigate mobile phone usage patterns across these demographic groups and to explore the relationship between daily mobile phone usage and nighttime non-usage.

RESULTS

participants predominantly used mobile phones for social contact and recreational activities through apps like Facebook and YouTube. Women used their phones more frequently, mainly for online shopping and social interactions, whereas men tended to use phones more at nighttime. Younger users and non-full-time employees engaged more in activities such as gaming and chatting. A higher level of education correlated with reduced overall phone use. Those using mobile phones for work-related purposes generally decreased their phone usage after work. Frequent users, especially of social media and entertainment, often increased their phone usage at night.

CONCLUSIONS

the study underscores the significant impact of demographic factors on mobile phone usage patterns. Women, young people, individuals with lower educational qualifications, and the unemployed tend to spend more time on their mobile phones. Regular users engaged with social media and leisure apps often exhibit higher phone usage during nighttime hours. This behavior can pose challenges in achieving sustained and restful sleep.