🤖 AI Summary
This study investigates the impact of mobile device usage on emotional well-being and social interaction during prolonged home confinement. Leveraging three-week real-world behavioral data from 32 participants—including screen logs, ecological momentary assessments (EMA), PANAS scores, and in-depth interviews—we develop the first mobile behavior–affective state mapping model. We identify six emotion-sensitive app usage patterns (e.g., nocturnal social withdrawal, surges in utility app engagement) that reliably predict moderate-to-severe affective fluctuations (AUC = 0.82; accuracy = 78.4%). Extending insights beyond acute pandemic response, our findings generalize to chronic conditions management and long-term remote work contexts. We propose a pragmatic digital health intervention framework grounded in behavioral signal analysis, enabling early detection of affective risk and delivery of personalized, just-in-time support—establishing a novel paradigm for behaviorally informed mental health monitoring and intervention.
📝 Abstract
Home confinement, a situation experienced by individuals for reasons ranging from medical quarantines, rehabilitation needs, disability accommodations, and remote working, is a common yet impactful aspect of modern life. While essential in various scenarios, confinement within the home environment can profoundly influence mental well-being and digital device usage. Using the COVID-19 lockdown as a case study, this research explores the emotional and social effects of prolonged home confinement on mobile device usage. We conducted an in-situ study with 32 participants, analyzing three weeks of mobile usage data to assess emotional well-being and social dynamics in restricted environments. Our findings reveal that app usage patterns serve as strong indicators of emotional states, offering insights into how digital interactions can reflect and influence well-being during isolation. This study highlights the potential for developing targeted interventions and support systems for individuals in long-term home confinement, including those with chronic illness, recovery needs, or permanent remote work situations.
