The Influence of a Self-Control Training App on Self-Control and Social Networking Sites Usage for Students Using ESM and SCED

Excessive Social Networking Site (SNS) usage is a social problem. It causes disadvantages, like anxiety, sleep disturbances, depressive symptoms, and poorer mental well-being. Research found that excessive SNS usage is negatively associated with self-control. Thus, self-control training (SCT) could be used to decrease excessive SNS usage, in which users train their ability to override unwanted thoughts and behaviors. Research has proven the effectiveness of a mobile SCT app in enhancing self-control in people. However, little is known about the effectiveness of SCT apps on students' self-control and excessive SNS usage.This study examined the effectiveness of an SCT app (SCIPP) on increasing self-control and decreasing SNS usage at the within-person level of students.