Rethinking Smartphone Use and Attention Regulation among Adolescents

Abstract

Haoyu Zhao was a semi-finalist in the 2026 UBC Three Minute Thesis (3MT) Competition. Haoyu presented the research titled “Rethinking Smartphone Use and Attention Regulation among Adolescents.” The present study aims to examine the longitudinal association between habitual smartphone use (HSU) and attention regulation and to see whether online basic psychological needs satisfaction (BPNS) mediates this relationship. The research findings underscore the importance of cultivating adolescents' skills in crafting online experiences that fulfill basic psychological needs as a promising way to protect against the maladaptive outcomes associated with screentime. Haoyu Zhao is completing a PhD in Human Development, Learning, and Culture in the Department of Educational & Counselling Psychology, and Special Education under the supervision of Dr. Jennifer Shapka. #3MT is an academic competition that assists current graduate students with fostering effective presentation and communication skills. Participants have just three minutes to explain the breadth and significance of their research project to a non-specialist audience. For more information or to participate in UBC’s Three Minute Thesis (3MT) visit https://3mt.grad.ubc.ca.