Date of Award

8-2019

Document Type

Thesis

Degree Name

Master of Science (MS)

Department

Arts and Communication

First Advisor

Heidi Hatfield Edwards

Second Advisor

A. Lucas Stephane

Third Advisor

Theodore G. Petersen

Fourth Advisor

Robert A. Taylor

Abstract

This study investigated the effectiveness of digital wellness software by attempting to measure the utility of Apple’s Screen Time as a means of curbing smartphone dependency. It involved following the activities of eight iPhone users who were encouraged to use and pay attention to Screen Time over the course of a week. They were interviewed at the start of the process to get a feel of how they use their phones as well as what knowledge they had about Screen Time, and then at the end of the process to measure any changes that might have emerged. Each participant’s Screen Time data was also recorded with screenshots and taken into account as part of the analysis. The findings showed overall that focused attention to Screen Time is capable of affecting smartphone usage patterns and helping iPhone users take control of the way and extent to which they use their devices.

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