Screen addiction and media multitasking among American and Taiwanese users

Abstract

This cross-country survey research investigated the relationship between screen addiction and media multitasking and examined factors that mediate and moderate this relationship. The web survey recruited Internet users owning multiple devices in the United States (N = 798) and Taiwan (N = 834). Although American users spent longer time on screen devices and engaged more in media multitasking more, Taiwanese respondents had higher screen addiction. Results showed that media multitasking and screen device use were positively related to screen addiction. Country of respondents’ residence moderated the relationship between media multitasking and screen addiction. Additionally, screen device usage mediated the positive effects of media multitasking on screen addiction. Finally, leisure boredom moderated screen device usage’s mediating effects on the relationship between media multitasking and screen addiction, which differed in two countries. Young people and females tended to have high levels of screen addiction. Implications of screen addiction and media multitasking were discussed.