Disconnection, distraction, and time deficits: how Australian journalists report smartphones affect their work-related duties
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2025
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Communication Research and Practice
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Taylor and Francis Group
Melbourne Authors
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School of Culture and Communication
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Journal Article
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James-Garrod, C. (2025). Disconnection, distraction, and time deficits: how Australian journalists report smartphones affect their work-related duties. Communication Research and Practice, 11 (2), pp.205-220. https://doi.org/10.1080/22041451.2025.2491281.
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Abstract
This paper analyses how Australian journalists describe the impact of their smartphones on experiences of work-related time poverty. This research is timely as the Australian news media industry considers latest amendments to the Fair Work Act 2009, which gave all employees legislated right to disconnect from work-related digital communications beyond agreed work times. The legal revision could have implications for working journalists who have unique professional responsibility to stay connected outside conventional paid work hours. This research studies a representative sample of 197 journalists to better understand the experiences of this group of time-poor workers. Using qualitative surveys and content analysis, three sub-themes emerge: ‘distraction’, ‘constant’, and ‘social’. Using ‘time poverty’ and ‘distraction’ framing concepts, a clearer picture emerges of specific ways smartphones contribute to working journalists’ time stress. These findings may bolster response to the legislated RTD and inform changes to workplace time and connection expectations and norms.