Randomized trial examines cognitive engagement related to smartphone use traits in active smartphone users, implying complex interactions.
Key Points
This research aims to explore the relationship between problematic smartphone use, neuroticism, and fear of missing out and their effects on cognitive engagement during a challenging task.
Participants completed self-report measures for problematic smartphone use, personality traits, and fear of missing out.
Active smartphone users performed an online Mooney image task assessing cognitive persistence.
The median time spent on the task was the primary outcome assessed.
PSU, neuroticism, and FoMO were positively correlated.
None of these traits predicted the total time spent on the task or the number of images identified.
Only age was significantly associated with longer time spent on the task, indicating limited explanatory power.