The Relationship Between Cell Phone Use and the Personality Domains of Extraversion and Conscientiousness

Over one billion cell phones are being used around the world today, yet little psychology-related research has been conducted on the topic of cell phone use. Most previous work has studied cell phone use while driving. Results show that using a cell phone competes for a driver's attention; such distraction can be very dangerous. Less research, however, has been done on the social consequences of cell phone use. Anecdotal evidence suggests that increasing use of cell phones in public places is disruptive and is viewed as rude. To better understand issues related to individual and public cell phone use, this research examined the relationship between personality and variables associated with cell phone use. One hundred students participated in this study. Data were collected using cell phone records, an interview, and the NEO personality measure. Also, a diary methodology was used to collect data on individual cell phone calls including participants' relationship to the caller, location of call, and activities engaged in while using a cell phone. The results revealed small positive correlations between extraversion and cell phone use. Most calls were made in private, where there were one or fewer other people. Within the entire sample, 92% of participants reported using their cell phone while driving and, of those individuals, 22% reported having an accident or near accident while driving and talking on their cell phone. An area of future research would be to investigate the underlying facets of extraversion and their relationship to cell phone use.Psycholog