"Living Within Four Walls": Exploring Emotional and Social Dynamics in Mobile Usage During Home Confinement

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.