(In)accuracy and convergent validity of daily end-of-day and single-time self-reported estimations of smartphone use among adolescents

Abstract

Overview

Understanding the measurement inaccuracy and bias introduced by self-reports of smartphone use is essential for making meaningful inferences about its effects on adolescents.

Findings

• The study utilized self-reported and digital trace data from 137 Czech adolescents to examine the accuracy and convergent validity of their smartphone use.
• Significant discrepancies were found between self-reported smartphone use and digital trace data.
• Respondents typically reported shorter screen time and fewer phone-checking behaviors than what digital traces revealed.
• The low between-person and within-person convergent validity indicates that self-reports poorly capture actual smartphone use behaviors and day-to-day fluctuations.

Conclusion

This research underscores the considerable differences between self-reported data and digital traces in capturing true smartphone usage patterns among adolescents. It highlights the influence of individual and situational factors in these discrepancies.