Factors influencing smartphone use and dependency in South Korea

This study examined the factors affecting the South Korean people’s use of smartphones within the framework of the technology acceptance model (TAM). Using an in-person survey (N = 852), the study confirmed the propositions of the TAM. The study also included individuals’ psychological antecedents, such as motivations for social inclusion and instrumental use of smartphones, innovativeness, behavioral activation system (BAS), and locus of control. While the motivations and innovativeness verified previous studies’ findings, BAS and locus of control demonstrated their unique contributions to explaining smartphone use. Smartphone dependency was also affected by the antecedents in the use of smartphones.

► This study examined the factors affecting the South Korean people’s use of smartphones. ► The study included individuals’ psychological antecedents such as motivations for social inclusion. ► Smartphone dependency was also affected by the antecedents in the use of smartphones.