Is Ubiquitous a Good Thing? The Vulnerability of Using Smartphones Among Seniors in Taiwan

Abstract

Given that previous studies mostly accepted the premise that senior citizens are less capable of adopting new technology, the current study attempts to explore how vulnerability issues influence senior citizens while they use smartphones. Based on the compensatory Internet use theory, a theoretical framework incorporating e-lifestyle, emotion regulation, and nomophobia is developed. A survey was employed, and responses from 255 participants were collected. The results confirmed the mediating role of nomophobia in the theoretical framework. In addition, the findings showed that emotion regulation has a positive influence on nomophobia, and nomophobia has a positive influence on smartphone use disorder. Theoretical and practical applications are discussed.