THE RELATIONSHIP BETWEEN SMARTPHONE USAGE AND INTERPERSONAL SKILLS

FOR IMPROVED INTERPERSONAL RELATIONSHIP AMONG FIRST YEAR SOCIAL WORK

STUDENTS OF CAVITE STATE UNIVERSITY- MAIN, INDANG, CAVITE

According to the English poet John Donne, “no man is an island”. This means that all

individuals interact with other individuals practically every day and often many times in any day

hence the interpersonal relationship among people. But what is interpersonal relationship? A

person can be addressed as an interpersonal individual if he or she possesses the interpersonal

skills that are needed to build an interpersonal relationship.

Interpersonal relationship refers to a strong bond between two or more people. It can also

be an attraction between individuals that brings them closer to each other and eventually results in

a strong interpersonal relationship (Junega, 2018).

Interpersonal skills are the skills we used every day when we communicate and interact

with other people, both individually and in groups. People with strong interpersonal skills are often

more successful in both their professional and personal lives. They are able to communicate

effectively with others, whether family, friends, colleagues, customers or clients. Interpersonal skills

are therefore vital in all areas of life at work, in education and socially.

One must manifest the capability to listen to be able to interpret the message of the person

he’s speaking with, the capability to speak in a logical way for him to be able to be understood, the

capability to understand and be empathetic to other people’s feelings, and the capacity to converse

in group situations. Manifesting these skills results to a successful interpersonal relationship and it

would not be difficult since we've all been developing our interpersonal skills since childhood,

usually subconsciously (skillsyouneed.com, 2011).

Some describe interpersonal skills as a type of social intelligence that relies on paying attention to

the actions and speech of others and interpreting it correctly as part of forming a response. While

they are based in part on an individual's personality and instincts, these skills also developed as a
result of life experiences and knowledge (Staff, 2015). Moreover, these skills are the foundations of

social interaction among people around the globe.

Social interaction is an exchange of information and communication – using different interpersonal

skills – between two or more individuals and is a building block of a society. A psychiatrist named

Robert Waldinger found out that one of the factors in forming genuine happiness is having a

healthy relationship. Those who were more socially and physically connected were happier and

healthier whereas those who were more isolated were less happy and lived shorter lives.

But with today’s innovated world, the way an individual communicate with other people has

become more digitalized. With the rapid growth of smartphone productions in the world, the

number of its users also skyrockets at the same time and it has become ubiquitous in every corner

of the society.

Smartphones matter partly because of their ubiquity and convenience. They have become the

fastest-selling gadgets in history, outstripping the growth of the simple mobile phones that

preceded them. They outsell personal computers four to one. Today, about half the adult

population owns a smartphone; by 2020, 80% will. Smartphones have also penetrated every

aspect of daily life. The average American is buried in one for over two hours every day. Nearly 80%

of smartphone-owners check messages, news or other services within 15 minutes of getting up.

(Planet of the Phones, 2015).

For the first time ever, there are more gadgets in the world than there are people, including a

growing number that only communicate with other machines, according to data from digital

analysts at GSMA Intelligence. There are 34.44 million smartphone users in the Philippines as of

January 2018. This forecast shows the number of smartphone users in the Philippines from 2015

to 2016 with forecasts for 2017 to 2022. In 2017, the number of smartphone users in the

Philippines is estimated to reach 30.4 million. This would mean that around 32 percent of the

population in the Philippines will use smartphones. The number is expected to rise to 40 percent by

the year 2021 (Smartphone users in the Philippines 2017 | Statista,).

On the other hand, multiple studies have shown that social interaction is being undermined by the

21st century innovative product called smartphones. There are currently 2.53 billion smartphone

users around the world and the number is expected to pass the five billion mark by 2019

(statista.com, 2018).

Furthermore, in 2012, scientists at the Chinese Academy of Sciences found that the brain

chemicals of people who habitually used the Internet in their mobile phones (and were perhaps

addicted to it) had abnormal connections between the nerve fibers in their brain. These changes

are similar to other sorts of addicts, including alcoholics that can impact communications,

relationships, and day-to-day interactions with others (Morris, 2015).

The mentioned studies suggested that extreme exposure to technological devices such as

smartphones can affect the social interaction among people for it hinders in practicing interpersonal

skills. Instead of having a conversation face to face, a person can send a text message or an email

to a another individual. This affects the way a person communicate verbally and the practice of his

listening skill. Also, the longer the time a person spends with his smartphone, the more

disconnected he becomes emotionally with other people.

Through social media people are able to communicate with one another all around the world. They

build relationships without actually seeing the person face to face. However, this form of

communication may seem easy and helpful, yet it is the leading reason for less sensitive

relationships. People lose face-to-face interactions because their communications are mainly

online. Being online only isolates you from the society by creating false realities in a virtual world

(Khatri, 2016).

Using a field experiment and experience sampling, a study found the first evidence that phone use

may undermine the enjoyment people derive from real world social interactions.

In Study 1, the researchers recruited over 300 community members and students to share a meal

at a restaurant with friends or family. Participants were randomly assigned to keep their phones on

the table or to put their phones away during the meal. When phones were present (vs. absent),

participants felt more distracted, which reduced how much they enjoyed spending time with their
friends/family. The study found consistent results using experience sampling in Study 2; during in-

person interactions, participants felt more distracted and reported lower enjoyment if they used

their phones than if they did not.

This research suggests that despite their ability to connect people across the globe, phones may

undermine the benefits we derive from interacting with those across the table (Dwyer, Kushlev, &

Dunn, 2017). Nonetheless, greater use of the Internet was associated with declines in participants'

communication with family members in the household, declines in the size of their social circle, and

increases in their depression and loneliness (Kraut et al., 1998).

Little by little, Internet and mobile technology seems to be destroying the meaningfulness

of human interactions among people, disconnecting an indivudual from his/her loved ones, and

leading to an imminent sense of isolation in today’s society (Nilles).

Instead of spending time in person with friends, people would prefer to just call, text, or

instantly message them. It may seem simpler, but people ultimately end up seeing them face to

face a lot less and loss the real connection that is the basis of interpersonal skills. The more people

become connected to the world, the more they become disconnected to the people around them

and this irony is present to the society nowadays.

In addition, another experiment, 100 pairs of people were randomly assigned to discuss either a

casual or meaningful topic together. A trained research assistant observed the participants

unnoticeably from a distance during the course of a 10-minute conversation noting whether either

participant placed a mobile device on the table or held it in his or her hand.

Using Hierarchical Linear Modeling, it was found that conversations in the absence of mobile

communication technologies were rated as significantly superior compared with those in the

presence of a mobile device, above and beyond the effects of age, gender, ethnicity, and mood.

People who had conversations in the absence of mobile devices reported higher levels of

empathetic concern. Participants conversing in the presence of a mobile device who also had a

close relationship with each other reported lower levels of empathy compared with the pairs who

were less friendly with each other (Misra, Cheng, Genevie, & Yuan, 2014).
Interpersonal skills are crucial parts of the existence as human beings. The succeeding theories

suggests that interpersonal relationship will only be possible if interpersonal skills were used.

These skills are very important for social interaction since these are the building blocks in forming a

relationship with other people. Hence, the production of smartphones, hinders the possibility for the

users to achieve interpersonal relationship. Besides, the more a person exposes himself in a

stimulus, the more likely he become fixated on it. This suggests that the more an individual uses a

smartphone, the more he becomes attached and the use of his interpersonal skills will be deprived

dramatically.

Social interactions through technology tend to be superficial, isolating, and less genuine than face-

to-face interactions. On the other hand, studies have shown that smartphone usage affects the

social interaction of people which defies the inevitability of interpersonal skills usage.

The main rationale of this study is to find out if smartphone usage affects the way we socialize with

people by means of studying the relationship between the interpersonal skills within people and

their access to smartphones.

This study can be used as a reference for further studies that will be conducted in the same field

and subject matter. For some reasons, this study will be highly beneficial to the following: To

parents and guardians, to be aware and understand how smartphones affect their children when it

comes to social interaction. To smartphone users, this study may be helpful to know some

information about the impacts of smartphone usage in social interaction. To educational institutions;

to be aware about the positive and negative results of using smartphone to their students’

relationships and to future students and researchers who might study the same topic that will

broaden and help the society.

Theoretical Framework

In order to support the claims of this study, the theoretical studies from www.skillsyouneed.com; a

web-based research service were adapted to interpersonal skills. The study of the said website

theorized the foundation of an interpersonal relationship. The study suggests that an individual can
be distinguished as an interpersonal individual – and build an interpersonal relationship with other

people – if he possesses the four major interpersonal skills: verbal communication, communicating

in groups, listening skill, emotional intelligence.

Interpersonal skills are generally considered to include a wide range of skills, such as

(Interpersonal Skills | SkillsYouNeed, 2011): (1) Listening Skill – how we interpret both the verbal

and non-verbal messages sent by others, (2) Emotional Intelligence – being able to understand

and manage your own and others’ emotions, (3) Verbal Communication – what we say and how

we say it, and (4) Communicating in Groups – being able to work and converse with others in

groups and teams, both formal and informal.

Emotional Intelligence helps us in so many ways: from assisting ourselves in looking after our

physical and mental health and well-being to getting through in our ability to inspire and lead. It is,

in so many ways, the driver of success (Natural HR, 2017).

In everyone's personal life, there are certainly going to be a wide range of views regarding what is,

and is not, appropriate. The fact is that social interaction, to some degree, not only impacts, but

actually determines the success or failure of most (if not all) of our personal relationships.

Sustaining ongoing relationships with our family members, friends, and romantic partners requires

some amount of emotional intelligence. In fact, it determines if a romantic relationship or friendship

is going to be successful based on the compatibility of two individuals' levels of emotional

intelligence. While background experiences, values, and other characteristics are extremely

important when determining compatibility, the level of each person's EQ is likewise important in

determining whether a relationship will be successful (Impact of Emotional Intelligence and

Personal Relationships, n.d.).

Working on your emotional intelligence could well be the most important aspect of your personal

development. Research has shown that people with higher levels of emotional intelligence enjoy

more satisfying and successful careers and relationships (skillsyouneed.com, 2011).

Research indicates that poor oral communication contributes significantly to the decline of marital

satisfaction. Lack of or poor communication is often cited as one of the most critical factor in a

deteriorating relationship (Steele, 2015).

Steele (2015) said that communication is inevitable: “You cannot ‘not’ communicate”. The phrase

explicitly illustrates that people do not stop communicating and that people are constantly

communicating. Communication is contextual. A competent communicator will take into

consideration the contexts that enhance the ability and flexibility to adapt to different

communication contexts. Overall communication is far more in depth than people seem to think.

Verbal communication has the power of influence. This is best demonstrated by the leaders of

different countries. When a president of a country delivers a speech, the entire country is watching,

listening, and responding to his verbal gestures. Papa (2009) believed that what someone says

can have a deep affect on his subordinates.

Conversation or communication in groups includes the decision making of the leader, of the

members, and of the whole set of people. Being able to make decisions is also crucial to moving

things forward. Group decision-making often requires compromise, and sometimes a willingness to

give up one’s own point of view in favor of the group’s shared decision (skillsyouneed.com, 2011).

Adversity is a common thing when it comes to group issues. That is why whenever a group of

people work toward a different common goal, conflict is likely to arise at one time or another. This

is where the power of effective group speaking is essential. Clear communicating in groups is

important to avoid the misunderstanding within groups and to strengthen the common goal of one

another. When it is safe to express thoughts clearly, honestly and tactfully, it is easier to move

forward with a solution that has everyone's best interest at heart. Once on the other side of conflict,

a team with good communication skills may even feel stronger for overcoming the hurdles

(Importance of Team Communication Skills, 2010).

The study focuses on the relationship of smartphone usage and the level of interpersonal skills of

the respondents. Using the adapted theory about the four interpersonal skills that serve as the

pillars for interpersonal relationship, the theoretical framework shows all the variables and the
relation of each to one another. According to the framework, the interpersonal skills (dependent

variables) – which are the foundation of interpersonal relationship – are related and dependent to

smartphone usage (independent variable). On the other hand, smartphone usage is somehow

affected by the confounding variables which are the personal profiles of the respondents. These

variables may or may not affect the independent variable and therefore also affect the dependent

variables indirectly. Also, this variables are cannot be control or manipulate throughout the study

Conceptual Framework

Smartphone Usage Interpersonal Skills

(Independent (Dependent
Variable) Variable)

a.) Listening Skills

b.) Communicating in Groups
c.) Verbal Communication
d.) Emotional Intelligence
Demographic Profile
of Respondents

a.) Age
b.) Monthly
Income
c.) Gender

Figure 1. Smartphone usage (independent variable) with relationship to interpersonal skills

(dependent variable) and the demographic profile of the respondents (dependent variable)

METHODOLOGY

Participants
A clear defined population was ensured in this descriptive quantitative research and the findings

would be presented with the desired results from the responses of 1st year Social Work students of

Cavite State University- Main, Indang, Cavite were selected to participate in the process.

Instruments

A self-administered survey with closed-ended questions was used for this descriptive quantitative

research that was conducted to collect the data needed for the completion of the study. These

designs were chosen in order to meet the objectives of the study and to provide answers to the

research questions. The researchers distributed close-ended questions to the respondents in order

to meet the required results and to answer the research questions. The questions inside the eight-

page questionnaires were lifted from the interpersonal skills self-assessment test by the online

website www.skillsyouneed.com.

Sampling Technique

This study would used stratified random sampling wherein the population was divided into desired

numbers to meet the required numbers of respondents.

This study would used the Slovin’s Formula to determine the sample size that is desirable for this

study. The data that would be obtained from the survey would be sorted, classified, and coded into

a coding sheet. It was then to be analyze using the statistical treatments: Analysis of Variance

(ANOVA), Pearson’s Product and T-Stat. ANOVA was used to compute and determine if there is a

significant difference between the interpersonal skills (level) and the demographic profile and

frequency of smartphone usage of the respondents when grouped accordingly. In addition, the

researchers used Pearson’s Product in order to identify if there was a significant relationship

between smartphone usage (hours/frequency) and interpersonal skills level of the respondents. In

relation with the result of the Pearson’s Product, also T-Stat would also be performed to confirm

which hypothesis they must accept and if the result is really significant.

Procedure

An informed consent would be regarded before the conductivity of the research survey. The participants in the study

would be fully informed about the evaluation to be conducted. Participants would be made aware on the purpose of
the study of identifying the existence of the relationship between smartphone usage and interpersonal skills for

improved interpersonal relationship. The participation in the study would be highly voluntarily agreed to and upon

the consent of the participants. The participants in the evaluation would be free from coercion. Participants are free to

withdraw their participation at any time without negatively impacting on their involvement in future services or the

current academic status and relationships with any of the researchers or research bodies involved. It is the right of

participants to leave a program of this nature at any time, therefore no pressure should be placed on those who choose not to continue.

Explanations are also not required. Explanations are also not required. The participant’s demographic profile and responses

would be given adequate privacy and confidentiality in the research findings. The identified information would not be

made available to, or accessed by anyone but the researchers and study coordinator. Confidentiality also ensures such

identifying information is excluded from any reports or published documents. The participants reserve the rights to

withdraw from the survey if they so desired.

Validity of the Questionnaire

Skillsyouneed.com is a web-based scholarly service founded on July, 2011 that is based in the

heart of Wales, a rural part of the UK. With years of experience in education, both face-to-face and

through distance learning, the contributors – professors and scholars – of the website believe that

they know the skills needed to help improve people's lives, both professionally and personally.

They are small independent business; researching, and writing their own materials. This validates

the accuracy of the distributed questionnaires.

Scale and Interpretation

Interpersonal Skills

Below Average (1% to 49%)

Based on the answers you provided your interpersonal skills are below average. You should spend some

time developing and practising your interpersonal skills – this is likely to lead to better and more successful

relationships with other people, at home, socially and at work or school.

Average (50% to 69%)

Based on the answers you provided your interpersonal skills are about average – compared to other

people. Although you have a basic grasp of the key interpersonal skills, there is still a lot you can do to

improve them further. Spend some time practicing and developing your interpersonal skills to enhance

your relationships with others further.

Above Average (70% to 100%)

Based on the answers you provided you have above average interpersonal skills. Although your

interpersonal skills are good they can always be improved further, helping you to enjoy even more

successful relationships with others, at home, socially and at work or school. Continue to practice your

interpersonal skills and improve your understanding of yourself and others.

Emotional Intelligence

Below Average (1% to 49%)

Your score for the emotional intelligence part of the assessment was below average. Emotional intelligence

is a measure of how well you understand and deal with your emotions and the emotions of

others. Developing a better awareness of emotions and understanding why you and others behave in

certain ways will enhance your interpersonal skills. Understanding and improving your emotional

intelligence could be the most important aspect of personal development. Research has shown that people

with higher emotional intelligence enjoy more satisfying and successful careers and relationships.

Average (50% to 69%)

You achieved an average score for the emotional intelligence part of the assessment. Emotional

intelligence is a measure of how well you understand and deal with your emotions and the emotions of

others. Developing a better awareness of emotions and understanding why you and others behave in

certain ways will enhance your interpersonal skills. It is worth taking some time to understand and improve

your emotional intelligence as it could be the most important aspect of personal development. Research

has shown that people with higher emotional intelligence enjoy more satisfying and successful careers and

relationships.
Above Average (70 to 100)

Your score for the emotional intelligence part of the assessment was above average. Emotional intelligence

is a measure of how well you understand and deal with your emotions and the emotions of others. As you

have scored well in this section it is likely that you usually understand your emotions and those of others

quite well. A higher emotional intelligence means that you are more likely to enjoy a more satisfying and

successful career and better relationships with others. You may be more suited than most to counsel

people when they are experiencing problems.

Communicating in Groups

Below Average (1% to 49%)

Based on the answers you provided you are not particularly confident about communicating in group

situations, your score is below average. In most careers and while at school or university there will be

occasions when you need to participate effectively in a group situation. When possible you should work on

building your confidence around other people, practice in social and family settings. You may find that

working on your verbal communication and listening skills will also help to boost your confidence.

Average (50% to 69%)

Based on the answers you provided you have average confidence levels when communicating in group

situations. You are likely to handle most group situations adequately, although you may well be nervous in

some situations. Communicating effectively in groups is an important part of your overall interpersonal

skills and is useful in many different areas of life. Next time you’re in a group situation watch the other

participants to pick up some ideas of what you can do, and what you can avoid doing, to improve your

presence in group situations.

Above Average (70% to 100%)

You usually communicate well in a group situation - your skills in this area are above average. You are

probably quite a confident person who feels comfortable making appropriate contributions in group
settings. Although how you behave in a groups situation is linked to your self-esteem, your ability to listen

and process information and speak effectively are also important - you may find it useful to watch others

the next time you are in a group situation for ideas on how you can improve your communication skills

further.

Verbal Communication

Below Average (1% to 49%)

Your verbal or spoken communication is below average – you should probably think about ways which you

can practice and improve your verbal communication. Your verbal communication skills may be a result of

low self-esteem or over-confidence, this is something that you will be able to recognize in yourself. Over-

confident people may use unfamiliar language or jargon when speaking to others, making them difficult to

understand. People with low self-esteem may not feel able to confidently communicate their ideas and

opinions. It is also possible that you have been overly self-critical in your assessment – ask a friend or family

member how they rate your verbal communication.

Average (50% to 69%)

Your verbal or spoken communication is average, most people fall into this category. As with all elements

of interpersonal skills you should aim to work on improving your ability to communicate effectively using

your voice – saying the right things at the right times to enhance the communication. When you speak to

others take time to think about what you are saying and how you are saying it – remember that

understanding is the goal of successful communication, how could you improve your message.

Above Average (70% to 100%)

Your verbal or spoken communication is above average, you normally use appropriate language and know

when to talk, and when not to talk. Having good verbal communication means that you can express

yourself well to others – explaining your ideas and opinions in such a way that they are usually understood

by others. Of course you can always further improve your verbal communication.
Listening Skills

Below Average (1% to 49%)

Based on the answers you provided your listening skills need some work. Listening is not a difficult skill to

learn but may be more challenging to master – try to consciously listen when others are talking, clearing

your mind of distractions and preconceptions. Listening is fundamental to strong interpersonal

relationships and requires a lot more than simply hearing.

Average (50% to 69%)

Based on the answers you provided your listening skills are average, the majority of people fall into this

category. You may have picked up some bad listening habits or never thought about the active processes

involved in effective listening. Although your listening is OK you should think about developing your

listening skills further by consciously practicing effective and active listening.

Above Average (70% to 100%)

Interpersonal skills are fundamental to successful relationships at home, at school, at work and

socially. This interpersonal skills self-assessment questionnaire will help you to understand how

well developed your interpersonal skills are and identify areas that you can practice and improve.

To get accurate feedback, it is important that you answer each question honestly, thinking

about your current situation, not how you wish to be in the future. Think about how you rate

your skills and abilities compared to other people around you.

Once you have completed this questionnaire you will be provided with some feedback designed to

help you recognize areas that you can improve.

NAME : GENDER :
COURSE/YEAR: AGE:

_____________________________________________________________________________________

This is a questionnaire design to gather data on the Interpersonal Skill of the

participants. After reading each item, please indicate your answer by checking the

number that best describe your response. There is no right or wrong answer. Please

read each statement carefully. However, your first reaction to the statements will

usually be the best answer.

LISTENING SKILLS

How Are Going to Above Average Average Below Average

Rate Yourself?

Compared to other
people my listening
skills are:

Answer each
statement
honestly, Strongly Agree Neutral Disagree Strongly
thinking about
Agree Disagree
your likely
behavior.
I sit and listen
with my legs
and arms
folded in front
of me.

I nod my head
and use other
gestures and
facial
expressions to
show that I’m
interested in
what is being
said.

I finish people’s
sentences for
them, when
they pause and
I know what
they are going
to say.

When I have
something to
contribute to a
conversation,
I'll interrupt the
speaker to
make my point.

I decide
whether or not
to listen based
on the
speaker’s
appearance
and how they
talk

I try to have the

last word on a
subject.

I offer verbal
signals while
listening, things
like, ‘Go on… ’
or ‘Uh huh’ to
encourage the
speaker to
continue.

I get bored with

conversations
easily - most
people have
nothing
interesting to
say.

When
communicating
with others, I
pay attention to
non-verbal
signals - body
language,
facial
expressions
and gestures.

I will interrupt
the speaker if I
disagree with a
statement they
have made.

I am often
thinking of
something witty
to say in
response while
listening.

I make eye
contact with
others while
listening.

EMOTIONAL INTELLIGENCE

Strongly Agree Neutral Disagree Strongly

 Agree Disagree

I am content
with who I am.

I am confident
about my
existing skills
and abilities
and willing to
learn new ones

I avoid difficult
conversations
and
confrontations.

I can tell when

someone
doesn't
understand
what I'm
saying.

I can interpret
the mood of
others when I
communicate
with them.

I get irritated by
other people's
habits but avoid
telling them
about it.

I find it difficult
to make new
friends

I'm frequently
self-critical of
my mistakes.

In a group
situation, how
the members
feel about each
other.

I am usually a
good judge of
character.

If I'm feeling
stressed I know
exactly why this
is.

I understand
and respect the
views of others
– even if they
are different to
my views.

I make eye
contact with
others while
listening.

When
communicating
with others, I
pay attention to
non-verbal
signals - body
language, facial
expressions
and gestures.

When other people become emotional around me I am most likely to feel:

(Choose one of the following answers)

Awkward - I would like to leave the conversation.

Somewhat uncomfortable - I am unsure how to react or respond.

Indifferent - I feel the same as in any other conversation.

Confident - I feel able to cope with the conversation.

Empathetic - I can put myself into the other person's shoes and see their position.
Verbal Communication and Effective Speaking

Above average Average Below average

Compared to other
people my vocal skills
are:

Strongly Agree Neutral Disagree Strongly

Agree Disagree

I express my
ideas clearly.

I vary the
tone, volume
and pitch of
my voice
appropriately
in
conversations.

People
understand
what I say.

I use jargon
and technical
language
whenever
possible.

I can restate
the essence
of what others
have said in
fewer and
different
words. I can
accurately
reflect
content.

I repeat
everything I
have just
heard back to
the speaker.

I like to use
uncommon
words when
talking to
others - to
show how
intelligent I am

I'm quick to
offer advice to
people's
problems.

I am generally
nervous about
speaking to
other people.

My friends
and family tell
me I talk a lot.

I have to
repeat myself
often because
people don't
understand
my message
the first time
around.

I have
difficulty
putting my
thoughts into
words.
 COMMUNICATING IN GROUPS

Pick three words to describe how you are most likely to feel when introducing yourself to new

people in a formal or semi-formal setting (such as at meeting at work, at school, or when joining a

group).

Normal / Fine Nervous Anxious

Excited Awkward Stressed

Confident Uncomfortable Shy

Interested Pleased Bored

How do you feel when each statement applies to you when you're in a group situation?

Strongly Agree Neutral Disagree Strongly

Agree Disagree

I worry about what to say when

talking to others.

I participate.

I avoid giving other people eye

contact in group situations.

In a meeting or classroom situation I

prefer to sit at the back.

I can dominate a group and tend to

do the majority of the talking.
I feel like I'm an outsider.

I find it easy to fit into most group

situations.

I do not usually say much when in a

group of people.

I make new friends easily and

generally get on well with people I
have just met.

I avoid group situations whenever

possible.

I feel comfortable and confident.

I am nervous about having to answer

a question in front of a group of
people.

SMARTPHONE USAGE (Rush, 2011)

Please read the following 37 statements carefully and indicate how much you agree with each
statement about your phone use.

Strongly Strongly
Agree Agree Neutral Disagree Disagree

My family have complained about

how much I use my phone

I would rather lose my wallet than

my phone

I compare my phone to other

people's phones
If I lost my phone, I would order a

replacement the same day if

possible

My friends have complained about

how much I use my phone

I get upset when my family

complain about how much I use

my phone

I do not go anywhere without my

phone

I worry about my reliance on my

phone

My phone is great for when I'm

bored

I think about what I'm missing

when my phone is turned off or

out of reach

I attend to my phone at the dinner

table
I am addicted to my phone

I am happier since getting my

phone
 Agree Neutral Disagree
Strongly Strongly
Agree Disagree

My phone makes me feel

successful

I have never lost my phone

I have thought about damaging my

phone to get an upgraded model

I get upset when my friends

complain about how much I use

my phone

I have been unsuccessful at

attempts to limit my phone use

Apart from when I sleep, my

phone is always at arm's length

I would rather lose my little toe

than lose the use of my phone

I use my phone to escape from

situations I do not want to be in

I do not feel guilty about turning

my phone off

I always have my phone with me

I never think about missed calls

when my phone is turned off or

out of reach

I would not interrupt social

interactions to answer my phone

I find it difficult to turn off my

phone

The thought of being separated

from my phone does not make me

feel distressed

I use my phone to find answers to

questions

When my phone runs out of

battery and I do not have a

charger, I feel distressed
 Strongly Strongly
Agree Agree Neutral Disagree Disagree

I feel pressured to leave my phone

on after work hours

My phone is an integral part of my

life

I don't think my phone makes me

look successful

My colleagues have complained

about my phone use in meetings

I have tried to stop myself

checking my phone

I answer my phone when I am

talking to friends