Master of Science

thesisIt is common for outdoor recreationists to carry their cellular phones with them on outings, and the majority of these devices are Internet enabled (i.e., smartphones). Backpackers load maps, GPS navigation apps, music, guidebooks, and more onto their smartphones, decreasing pack weight and increasing feelings of preparedness and safety. Little is known, however, about how use of smartphones in backcountry settings affects users' place attachment. Place attachment is composed of two measures: place dependence (functional attachment) and place identity (emotional attachment). In addition to functional and emotional attachments, recreationists often develop a social attachment to place through the relationships with others in recreational settings. Previous research has also identified time as a moderating variable in the development of place attachment. This research investigated the relationship between time, smartphone use, and place attachment in recreationists seeking a prolonged backcountry experience on the Pacific Crest Trail (PCT). In order to investigate this relationship, hikers were intercepted at three points along their 2,666 mile hike (early, middle, and late stage), and surveyed on 17 place attachment items and numerous questions identifying how, and with what frequency, they were using their smartphone devices on- and off-trail. Ninety-six percent (96%) of the hikers surveyed (N = 514) carried a smartphone and used it an average of 203 minutes each day. Results indicated a significant relationship between days on trail (i.e., time) and all place attachment dimensions: Place identity (r = .108, p = .016) and social bonding (r = .287, p < .001) increased over time while place dependence (r = -.128, p = .004) decreased over time. These results support the place attachment literature, and add understanding to the temporal relationship with place dependence and social bonding. A unique relationship was identified between hikers and their smartphones. While no significant relationship was identified between smartphone use and place attachment, increased smartphone use was significantly, positively correlated with days on the trail (r = .134, p = .003). This relationship had not yet been identified in the literature and deserves more study. In summary, these findings offer insight to land managers, trail agencies, and commercial organizations that helps them better understand the mindset of 21st century backcountry users and how smartphone technology affects their trail experience. i