Charles Sturt University (CSU) researchers Associate Professor Yeslam Al-Saggaf and Rachel MacCulloch are looking for people to participate in an online survey to assist them in their research about how often and why people use their smartphones while engaging with others.

Survey participants must be aged at least 18 and use a smartphone.

“You can see people using their phones in so many different social situations these days,” Professor Al-Saggaf said.

“At the dinner table, amongst friends, at the movies and even in bed.

“Is this as a result of boredom or shortened attention spans?” 

A recent study by research platform dscout revealed people pick up their smartphones an average of 76 times per day.

“So, we’re keen to collect information from everyday people about why they use their smartphones during social situations and how frequently they do and what kind of things they’re doing on their phones while with other people,” Professor Al-Saggaf said.

The CSU research is hoping to answer:

- Why people use their smartphones during social interactions

- How frequently do they do it

- What apps people use when they use their smartphones during social interactions

- With whom do they converse, and;

- In what kinds of situations do they use their smartphones while conversing

The confidential survey should take less than 10 minutes to complete and can be accessed online.

The study will build on previous research supported by the Australian Research Council and the Australian Computer Society.

Take the Port News poll below about how often you use your smartphone in social situations: