Smartphone usage research shows most interactions are user-initiated

Research indicates that a vast majority of smartphone interactions are initiated by the user rather than by incoming notifications. Studies show that approximately 89 percent of smartphone interactions are user-driven, while only about 11 percent are triggered by device alerts or notifications.

This behavior often manifests as a reflexive or unconscious habit, where individuals check their screens during moments of boredom, waiting, or between activities. Users may spontaneously unlock their devices to find no new messages, yet continue to repeat the action without realizing the frequency of the habit.