Open-source smartphone app and tools for measuring, quantifying, and visualizing technology use

Psychological science has spent many years attempting to understand the impact of new technology on people and society. However, the frequent use of self-report methods to quantify patterns of usage struggle to capture subtle nuances of human-computer interaction. This has become particularly problematic for devices like smartphones that are used frequently and for a variety of purposes. While commercial apps can provide an element of objectivity, these are 'closed' and cannot be adapted to deliver a researcher-focused 'open' platform that allows for straightforward replication. Therefore, we have developed an Android app that provides accurate, highly detailed, and customizable accounts of smartphone usage without compromising participants' privacy. Further recommendations and code are provided to assist with data analysis. All source code, materials, and data are freely available (see links in supplementary materials section).

Automated summary

Psychological science has been studying the impact of new technology on individuals and society for years, but self-report methods have limitations in capturing nuances of human-computer interaction. Commercial apps offer objectivity, but lack flexibility for researchers looking for an 'open' platform.