Exploring the impact of smartphone dependency on real-life recreational activities: A theory of planned behaviour study

• Smartphone usage significantly decreases during real-life recreational activities (physical and social) across all sociodemographic groups. • Younger individuals, males, and non-parents reported higher smartphone usage preferences and actual use during such activities than their counterparts. • Participants with greater overall smartphone dependency exhibited higher preferences and actual use during recreational activities. • Students and unemployed/retired participants reported more smartphone use than employed individuals during recreational activities. • Social media usage was positively associated with higher smartphone use preferences and actual use during recreational activities. Research indicates that the widespread adoption of smartphones globally has led to increasing instances of problematic use and dependence. This study applies the Theory of Planned Behaviour (TPB) to explore how current smartphone usage patterns influence engagement in Real-Life Recreational Activities (RLRA). In particular, it explores the discrepancy between users’ preference for smartphone use versus their actual use during RLRA, considering socio-demographic variables, overall smartphone usage, and dependency levels. Data were collected from 523 Australian adults via an online survey employing convenience and purposive sampling. Bivariate analysis using the Chi-square test indicated significant associations between preference and actual smartphone use during RLRA with factors like age, parental status, and smartphone dependency. Heavy social media, audio, video, and podcast users particularly demonstrated a higher preference and actual smartphone use during RLRA. Despite most users reducing their smartphone engagement during active participation in RLRA, some users reported unchanged or increased smartphone use due to habits or necessity. The study proposes a theoretical framework to understand the drivers behind increased smartphone use and dependency, particularly in the context of recreational activities. This study highlights the need for multidisciplinary efforts to develop effective interventions for managing excessive smartphone use and dependency, emphasising the importance of integrating various professional perspectives.