Can IT Hurt Productivity? An Investigation of IT Addiction

While IT is generally found to augment productivity, recent evidence indicates that excessive and compulsive usage of IT is likely to have some adverse consequences. Given the prevalence of IT addiction, it becomes increasingly important to study this phenomenon. We seek to investigate the adverse effects of IT addiction, especially on productivity, in work settings. We propose a model showing that two types of factors (related to individual differences and technology features) could have an impact on addictive IT use, which in turn will affect work productivity. A quantitative cross-sectional design will be used to test the model; as needed, survey instruments will be developed and/or validated. Our study will contribute to the IS discipline by proposing a model of IT addiction to identify and explain its significant antecedents and impacts. For managers, the findings will help understanding the formation of addictive IT behaviors and their effects