Unravelling complexities in digital wellbeing research

Purpose The objective of the paper was to consider how digital wellbeing can best be studied from a user-centredness perspective, offering a contemporary perspective in this ever-evolving area. Design/methodology/approach The paper undertakes a critical analysis and synthesis of the literature, aiming to put relevant work into perspective. Findings Digital wellbeing is (i) based on various user circumstances, (ii) dependent on users’ experience of time and (iii) embedded in events that are occurring. The variations in users’ digital wellbeing provide support for the need for user-centredness in studying digital wellbeing and emphasise the importance of user perceptions of their own experiences. Practical implications An understanding of individuals’ short-term digital wellbeing can provide a reference point for exploring medium- and long-term as well as past and future digital wellbeing occurrences. Such an understanding can help underpin design and development that is conducive to promoting digital wellbeing. Originality/value The review has identified knowledge gaps, suggesting various possibilities for user-centred research in this field of study. The potential research areas relate to pressing issues that need to be addressed to understand the phenomenon itself, as well as methodological issues for consideration when conducting research on digital wellbeing.