Authors
Morgan Quinn Ross, Joseph B Bayer
Publication date
2021/2/8
Journal
Mobile Media & Communication
Volume
9
Pages
488-512
Publisher
SAGE Publications
Description
Given its role as a constant companion, the mobile phone has long been thought of as an extension of the self. However, the psychology of smartphone self-extension has received relatively little attention through empirical research. By explicating theorized facets of self-extension, we explore the dimensionality of smartphone self-extension and examine how established psychological orientations map onto these dimensions. Results provide support for a two-dimensional structure of self-extension. Specifically, we found that self-extension can be delineated on the extent to which the smartphone is viewed as (a) functional for personal goals and (b) integral to personal identity. Across two studies, habitual usage predicted the functionality dimension and problematic usage predicted the identity dimension. In addition, Study 2 revealed that the two dimensions of self-extension corresponded to different dimensions of …
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