The effect of digital lifestyle applications on non-work neighborhood-level mobility

The advancement of digital mobile applications has influenced individual behaviors in daily routines. In particular, daily lifestyle apps, such as those used for shopping and leisure, are altering neighborhood-level mobility patterns. These changes highlight the need to closely examine how digitalization is affecting short-distance travel within neighborhoods. This study investigates how the use of lifestyle mobile applications affects individual mobility patterns at the neighborhood level in Seoul, South Korea, using 2023 mobile phone–based origin-destination data. By integrating digital application usage data with spatial indicators such as population density, land-use mix, and facility proximity, this study evaluates the digital and physical determinants of neighborhood-level mobility, operationalized as the internal traffic ratio (ITR), defined as the proportion of non-work trips within the bounds of a given neighborhood. The results reveal that increased use of shopping and delivery applications is positively associated with greater neighborhood-level mobility. Conversely, the use of video streaming applications is associated with reduced mobility. In addition, neighborhoods with greater land-use diversity and a higher density of grocery stores and commercial facilities tend to exhibit higher levels of neighborhood-level mobility. These findings underscore that both digital behaviors and urban form jointly influence the degree of neighborhood self-containment and the spatial configuration of local areas. The study contributes to emerging discussions on digitally supported urban planning and offers empirical evidence to inform policies aimed at fostering resilient and inclusive neighborhood environments. • Digital lifestyle apps distinctly shape neighborhood-level non-work mobility. • Shopping and delivery apps increase neighborhood internal mobility. • Video streaming and gaming apps reduce neighborhood internal mobility. • Higher land-use diversity and access to everyday amenities (grocery stores, restaurants, cafés) enhance neighborhood mobility. • Findings show that combining digital platforms with essential neighborhood facilities is crucial for advancing 15-minute city strategies.