Generation Multitasker: How Millennials use second screens while watching televised sport

Authors

Ryan Vooris, SUNY Cortland
Kerry Fischer, SUNY Cortland
Chase M. L. Smith, University of Southern Indiana
Rebecca M. Achen, Illinois State University

Abstract

People born between 1980 and 2000 are commonly known as the Millennial generation (Gurau, 2012). Millennials are digital natives of a 24/7 online, there’s an app for everything, social media-rich landscape in which older generations will always be, to some degree, foreigners. Through the use of a survey, this study examined how a sample of 303 Millennials use mobile devices such as a smartphone or tablet to text, utilize mobile apps, and check social media while watching sport on TV. Their responses indicated the importance of using a second screen to pass the time during commercial breaks and stay informed about other sporting events. A factor analysis revealed three dimensions of usage for what motivated them to text, check apps, and utilize social media. The subsequent discussion links these findings to previous research into social presence theory and second screen usage.

Recommended Citation

Vooris, Ryan; Fischer, Kerry; Smith, Chase M. L.; and Achen, Rebecca M. (2016) "Generation Multitasker: How Millennials use second screens while watching televised sport," Global Sport Business Journal: Vol. 4: Iss. 3, Article 3.
Available at: https://scholarworks.sfasu.edu/gsbj/vol4/iss3/3