Understanding of computers and procrastination: A philosophical approach

Computer procrastination is a complex problem that is under-researched. After identifying a number of key characteristics of it, we survey five existing fields of research that may contribute insights into this interdisciplinary problem, and demonstrate that none of these areas can provide satisfactory insight on their own. A philosophical framework for understanding computer use is introduced, and applied to a case study to demonstrate its potential in understanding the richness of computer procrastination. We then show how this framework can reveal the ways in which each of the existing fields is limited in its ability. The result is both an understanding of why existing research has not directly addressed this issue, and suggestions for a way forward for further research into computer procrastination.