Table 2 Cluster description by functional and symbolic aspects of usage (N = 761)

Functional aspects

I’m using nutrition apps for diversion

1.41^a

1.20^b

2.11^c

1.54^a

30.1***

I’m using nutrition apps when there’s nothing else to do

1.52^a

1.19^b

1.94^c

1.76^c

20.0***

I’m using nutrition apps when I’m bored

1.64^a

1.26^b

1.96^c

1.70^a

14.9***

I’m using nutrition apps to be able to access nutritional information at any time

4.75^a

4.28^b

4.45^b

3.62^c

62.1***

I’m using nutrition apps to lead a healthy life

4.81^a

4.49^b

4.57^b

4.21^c

25.4***

I’m using nutrition apps to keep track of my nutritional status

4.94^a

4.79^b

4.72^b

4.40^c

31.3***

I’m using nutrition apps to exchange views with like-minded people

1.26^a

1.42^b

3.44^c

1.18^a

279.2***

I’m using nutrition apps to get support from others pursuing the same goal as me

1.30^a

1.53^b

3.83^c

1.28^a

338.3***

I’m using nutrition apps to compete with other users of the app

1.14^a

1.15^a

2.20^b

1.07^a

114.5***

Symbolic aspects

My nutrition apps are a good fit for me

4.68^a

4.08^b

4.43^c

3.34^d

112.5***

I like using my nutrition apps

4.84^a

4.62^b

4.68^b

3.99^c

75.9***

I’m using cutting-edge nutrition apps

4.01^a

2.92^b

3.59^c

2.21^d

120.1***

I can access my nutrition apps at any time

4.85^a

4.59^b

4.71^ab

3.99^c

61.4***

Sometimes I tend to brag with my usage of cutting-edge nutrition apps

1.43^a

1.32^a

1.89^b

1.10^c

25.2***

The people close to me support my usage of nutrition apps

2.56^a

3.69^b

3.20^c

1.91^d

103.2***

Who I am is also reflected in the way I use nutrition apps

2.48^a

1.20^b

2.93^c

1.40^b

106.9***