The Importance of Smartphone Connectivity in Quality of Life

Abstract

AbstractMobile network connectivity enables individuals to use various Internet-based applications and is nowadays an integral part of the physical environment. More specifically, this connectivity shapes individuals’ modes of gathering information and their communication capabilities. In turn, this impacts the individual’s decision-making and, in the long term, may influence their health and quality of life (QoL). This chapter focuses on longitudinal modeling of the availability of mobile connectivity such as Wi-Fi and 3G or 4G for individuals living in the Geneva area (Switzerland). We analyze connectivity over 5 years (2015–2020) based on data collected from 110 mQoL (mobile QoL) Living Lab participants. The participants are from three different cohorts corresponding to distinct data collection periods (2015–2017, 2018–2019, 2020). We derive four features that quantify an individual’s connectivity level: the network access technology (Wi-Fi or cellular), signal strength, the overall data consumption (upload and download), and the participants’ mobility patterns while connected. We also compare the connectivity levels of the three cohorts over time. Our findings reflect the relations between mobile connectivity and the smartphone network activity of the mQoL study cohorts during their daily activities, which may impact their QoL. We summarize the results and conclude this chapter by exploring the different QoL technologies and services enabled by mobile connectivity. However, the effects of connectivity on specific QoL domains, such as psychological aspects (i.e., positive/negative feelings) or social relationships, should be investigated further.