Smartphone Addiction Research Articles

The Prevalence of Smartphone Addiction and Its Associated Risk Factors among School Students of a Metropolitan City: A Cross-Sectional Study

Background: Smartphone is a term used to distinguish cell phones with advanced features from basic feature phones. Smartphone addiction is a phenomenon that pertains to uncontrollability of smartphone use. The increasing use of smartphones and easy availability of smartphones to school children after Covid-19 Pandemic were the reasons for conducting this study. Aims - To estimate the prevalence of smartphone addiction among school children and its associated risk factors Methods: This was a cross-sectional study conducted on English middle-school students of Mumbai, involving students from secondary section i.e.,6th to 10thgrade. Data were collected by interview using a pre-structured questionnaire, and all the students were asked to fill out smartphone addiction questionnaire i.e. Smartphone Application Based Addiction Scale (SABA). Then, data were entered into Microsoft EXCEL and analysed using SPSS. Results: The mean age of 275 participants, was 13.1, and the prevalence of smartphone addiction in the present study was 45.5%. Addiction was significantly associated with age (P value 0.000), gender (P value 0.004), self-owned phone (P value 0.03), duration of time spent on phone on weekdays(P value 0.000) and weekends (P value 0.000), having social media accounts(P value 0.000),and the time spent on social media (P value 0.042). On applying logistic regression, female gender and the time spent on social media were the major risk factors. Conclusions: The risk factors associated with addiction are age, female gender; owning a smartphone, increased time spent on phones on weekdays and weekends, having social media accounts and excessive time spent on social media applications.

The Correlates of Psychological Resilience in Turkish Adolescents During The COVID-19 Pandemic: A Systematic Review

Adolescents, already in a vulnerable state due to the challenges of adolescence, were among risk groups to develop psychosocial and emotional problems during the COVID-19 pandemic. Research conducted with adolescents identified psychological resilience as one of the protective factors which helped them cope better with pandemic-related adversities. The aim of this systematic review is to determine the correlates of Turkish adolescents’ psychological resilience to gain a better understanding of its protective role during the pandemic. Using the related keywords (Turkish adolescents, students, psychological resilience, COVID-19 Pandemic) and limiting the publication period as 2020-2024, a database search was conducted, in which 340 articles were identified. 10 articles that met the eligibility criteria were included in the systematic review. By reviewing the articles systematically, doing exercise, emotional flexibility, spirituality, hope, parental and peer support, financial support, psycho-education programs supporting pandemic-specific coping, and certain personality traits including openness to new experience, extraversion, conscientiousness, and agreeableness were identified as variables that are positively correlated with psychological resilience. On the other hand, fear of COVID-19, anxiety, depression, post traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), smartphone addiction, playing digital games, online education, exam anxiety and neuroticism are variables that have negative correlation with psychological resilience. Based on the results, it appears that during the COVID-19 pandemic, psychological resilience, in relation with other individual and social/contextual protective factors, functioned as a psychological buffer against psychological problems for Turkish adolescents.

Safe Use of Screen Time Among Adolescents: A Randomized Controlled Study of the Efficacy of Yoga.

For students between the ages of 11 and 18, the estimated daily exposure to electronic media is around 1.5 hours, suggesting a growing trend in the amount of time spent in front of a screen. Increasing screen time use is related to sleep, mental health, cognitive, emotional, and behavioral disorders, unhealthy diets, depressive symptoms, poor quality of life, and substance-behavioral addictions. The current study is a parallel-group, simple randomized controlledtrial (RCT). A total of 100 participants were randomized into a yoga group (YG) (n=50) and an attentional control group (CG) (n=50) by using an online randomizer. The YG received yoga practice, whereas the partially active CG received an educational program on digital hygiene. Students were assessed for screen time use, Smartphone Addiction Scale-Short Version (SAS-SV), general well-being, depressive symptoms, and generalized anxiety following 12 weeks of intervention. The yoga group showed a significant decrease in the scores of SAS-SV, generalized anxiety, depressive symptoms, and screen time use after the intervention (p<0.001, p<0.05, p<0.01, and p<0.001, respectively). Furthermore, there was a statistically significant decrease in screen time use for all modes of total weekdays, weeknights, and weekends. Additionally, in the yoga group, the majority of the sub-factors of screen time use showed statistically significant changes; time spent on television showed a constant decrease in all modes such as weekdays, weeknights, and weekends. The result of the current study suggests that yoga practice hasa positive influence on screen usage behavior and associated health-related complications. More studies are required to understand if yoga practice can help mitigate the pleasure-seeking behavior that drives the excessive usage of screens.

Exploring Problematic Smartphone Use (PSU) among Muslim Adolescents in Southern Thailand: Students and Parents’ Insights

This study aimed to explore problematic smartphone use (PSU) among young Muslim students in Southern Thailand. This research employed a dual-perspective, phenomenological approach, examining PSU from the perspectives of both adolescent Muslim students and their parents. We interviewed 10 participants, through purposive sampling, comprising 5 adolescent Muslim students studying in Southern Thailand and their respective parents. The qualitative data collected was then subjected to thematic analysis. Four themes emerged from the thematic analysis. Each theme was further explored and discussed based on its categories and subcategories. The first theme, “Primary Purposes of Using Smartphones”, consisted of: learning, communicating, and relaxation. The second theme, “Types of PSU”, included overusing smartphones and dysfunctional habits. The third theme, “Negative Impacts of PSU”, encompassed physical effects and losing control. The last theme, “Reasons for PSU”, was composed of psychological needs and low regulation as its categories. Moreover, the study highlighted similarities and differences in perspectives on these themes between Muslim adolescents and their parents. The findings and limitations of this research are presented to suggest potential directions for future study and implications.

How does adolescents and college students’ personal relative deprivation affect mobile phone dependence? The mediating roles of stress and fear of missing out

How does adolescents and college students’ personal relative deprivation affect mobile phone dependence? The mediating roles of stress and fear of missing out

Family happiness and college students' smartphone addiction control: the chain mediation effect of emotion regulation and self-control.

More and more college students use smartphones for a long time every day. The problem of smartphone addiction has become a hot topic of social concern. It not only affects the physical and mental health of college students but also affects the development of families and society. To investigate the effect of family happiness on college students' smartphone addiction, we conducted a questionnaire survey and analysis. In this study, 214 college students were investigated using the adolescent family happiness questionnaire, college students' smartphone addiction scale, self-control scale, and emotion regulation scale. The data were analyzed by Amos and SPSS26.0 software. The results showed that: (1) Family happiness, emotion regulation, and self-control were significantly inversely correlated with smartphone addiction; (2) Emotion regulation and self-control served as partial mediators in the linkage between family happiness and smartphone addiction, and the chain mediation effect of emotion regulation and self-control was significant. Family happiness, emotion regulation, and self-control are key factors that significantly influence college students' smartphone addiction behavior. Family happiness not only has a direct effect on college students' smartphone addiction behavior but also has an indirect effect on it through the chain mediation effect of emotion regulation and self-control.

The relationship between smartphone overuse, anxiety, and depression among middle school adolescents in the city of Kenitra, Morocco: a cross-sectional study

BackgroundAdolescents face various addiction issues, including excessive smartphone use, which significantly impacts their mental health, leading to anxiety and depression. This study aimed to analyze the impact of smartphone use on the mental health of middle school adolescents in the city of Kenitra, Morocco, focusing particularly on the prevalence of depression and anxiety and to identify the factors influencing these behaviors. The present cross-sectional study included a sample of 341 middle school adolescents from Kenitra city, Morocco. Participants completed a comprehensive questionnaire covering various aspects, including sociodemographic information, smartphone addiction assessment using the Smartphone Addiction Scale (SAS), and mental health assessment using the Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale (HADS). Descriptive statistics were performed, and Mann–Whitney U-test and chi-square test were both used for comparisons between the excessive and non-excessive group, respectively. A Spearman’s correlation analysis was performed to evaluate associations of smartphone overuse with depression and anxiety.ResultsAmong 341 participants, 37.4% demonstrated smartphone overuse. Males exhibited nonsignificantly higher scores on the SAS than females (p = 0.082). In addition, the mean psychological distress scores for the study participants were 7.62 ± 3.31 for anxiety and 7.75 ± 3.7 for depression. Males exhibited significantly lower scores on the HADS subscales in comparison with females (p < 0.001). Interestingly, the results of the study showed a statistically significant positive correlation between anxiety (r = 0.2441, p = 0.013) and depression (r = 0.4035, p < 0.0001) subscales of HADS and SAS.ConclusionsOur findings suggest that adolescent students exposed to smartphone overuse are vulnerable to mental disorders. The results will be useful in helping schools put in place efficient measures to prevent excessive use of smartphones.

Smartphone Addiction among Adolescents in Southern Italy and Correlation with Other Risky Behaviors.

Addiction to smartphone is defined as the disability to cease using the device despite the physical, psychological, or social consequences. The diagnosis of this disorder is increasing exponentially among teenagers, even more so after Corona Virus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic. This study aims to analyze the risk of mobile phone addiction among teenagers in Italy and its relationship with other risk behaviors, such as drug consumption and emotional well-being, following the COVID-19 pandemic. A cross-sectional observational study was conducted in Catania, Sicily, during 2022. The study sample comprised 342 students from a secondary education center that answered to a validated Italian version of the Smartphone Addiction Scale Short Version (SAS-SV) accessing through computers and mobile devices. Subjective Wellbeing was measured with the Personal Wellbeing Index-School Children (PWI-SC). Also, they completed the NIAAA Brief Alcohol Use Screener. Our results showed that 30.1% of students who participated in the survey were classified with a smartphone addiction. Besides, most of the participants used the Smartphone for social networks (86.0%). Regarding the other aspects measured, the mean self-perceived well-being score measured with the PWI-SC was 55.5, and 36.2% of participants were categorized as "high risk" for depression. Finally, four out of ten participants were at "moderate or high risk" of an alcohol use disorder. Our results suggest that the use of mobile phones is increasing in adolescents, an age group also exposed to social and health problems.

Mobile Phone Dependence of College Students: Basis for A Course of Action

This research investigates Mobile Phone Dependence (MPD) among university students at X University, revealing a 100% smartphone ownership rate, with 33.4% experiencing MPD. Factors contributing to MPD include social allure, negative consumer culture, chaotic online practices, and the absence of real-world support. School-related factors include outdated teaching methods, inadequate guidance, while family factors implicate parental influence and neglect. Personal factors involve weak self-discipline, unclear goals, loneliness, psychological needs, and addiction psychology. MPD impacts academics, social skills, physical and mental health, economics, consumer mindset, and behavior. Demographic variables exhibit significant variations in MPD. The study recommends multifaceted interventions, emphasizing social governance, higher education, family education, and self-education, supported by collaborative governance. Future research should deepen fundamental theories, expand survey scope, strengthen empirical research, and employ action research for effective implementation of intervention strategies. Action research involves forming a multidisciplinary team, engaging stakeholders, assessing the current scenario, designing targeted interventions, and continuously adapting strategies based on real-time data. This research provides a comprehensive understanding of MPD and offers a strategic framework for addressing this issue among college students.

Smartphone Addiction: Impact, Challenges, and Effects on Cognition Skills among the Dental Students in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia

Abstract Objective Smartphones are multifunctional devices providing a range of beneficial technologies and applications that support communication, socialization, entertainment, and education but also have a few disadvantages related to overdependence among students in general and more specifically with its effects seen in cognition among professional ones such as dental students. This study aims to explore the effect of smartphones on the academic and clinical performance of undergraduate and internship dental students in universities of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. Materials and Methods In this cross-sectional study, the data were collected using 32 questionnaire-based Google forms which the concerned academic level students filled. The first part included 5 questions related to demographic data, while the second part included 24 questions assessing smartphone addiction and its impact on academic performance; furthermore, the last part of the survey has 3 questions inquiring about the effect of smartphones on clinical performance. Results Five-point Likert scale was used which has shown that as the level of study increases, smartphone use has also increased gradually. There was a positive correlation to the ill effects of high use of smartphones ranging from the patient himself experiencing high use of his device and often leading to lack of sleep. In contrast, some positive outcomes were related to the participants not using their devices while in the clinical atmosphere largely associated with the strict infection control protocol and self-awareness. Discussion Our findings can be correlated to various other studies that highlight the peers telling the participants about the increased risk of their smartphones and the same being felt by themselves. This highlights a positive result in the awareness campaigns being carried out and the main effect has been related to lack of sleep. A high infection control protocol can limit the dependency of the students on smartphone use among the clinics, but this does not relieve the overall high-level use among dental students. Conclusion An attempt should be made to educate the young population about the bad effects of the smartphone especially long hours of usage, bad timing, overdependence, and psychological impact. More studies are needed to assess the psychological impact of smartphone usage among this population.

The impact of depression and anxiety on mobile phone addiction and the mediating effect of self-esteem

Mobile phone addiction has become a widespread phenomenon in Chinese society, attracting significant social attention. However, there is still limited understanding of complexities and relationships concerning anxiety, depression, self-esteem, and mobile phone addiction (MPA) among college students. To better understand the relationships among depression, anxiety, self-esteem, and mobile phone addiction, the aim of this study was to explore these relationships, analyze the factors influencing mobile phone addiction, and examine the mediating effects of anxiety and self-esteem on the relationship between depression and mobile phone addiction. Data from 2023 were collected, and the SDS depression scale, SAS anxiety scale, mobile phone addiction scale, and Robert self-esteem scale were employed. Pearson correlation analysis and structural equation modeling revealed significant associations between depression, anxiety, self-esteem, and mobile phone addiction. Further analysis indicated that anxiety mediated the relationship between depression and mobile phone addiction, meanwhile, self-esteem mediated the relationship between depression and mobile phone addiction. Self-esteem also mediated the relationship between anxiety and mobile phone addiction. Additionally, anxiety and self-esteem played sequential mediating roles in mobile phone addiction. These findings contribute to a better understanding of the mechanisms underlying the relationship between depression and mobile phone addiction. The discussion provides practical and effective recommendations for the prevention and intervention of mobile phone addiction among college students.

Subclinical attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder symptoms and unhealthy lifestyle behaviours.

Literature emphasises the importance of identifying and intervening in the adoption of unhealthy lifestyle behaviours (ULBs) during adolescence at an early stage, to mitigate their long-term detrimental effects. Among the possible associated factors contributing to ULBs, attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) has been shown to play an important role. However, little is known about ADHD subclinical manifestations. The present study aimed to bridge the gap in the literature and shed light on the relationship between subclinical ADHD and early adoption of ULBs during adolescence. Through a clinimetric approach, prevalence of ULBs, severity of ADHD symptoms and psychosocial factors (i.e. allostatic overload, abnormal illness behaviour, quality of life, psychological well-being) were investigated among adolescents. The associations between different degrees of ADHD, ULBs and psychosocial factors were also explored. This multicentre cross-sectional study involved 440 adolescents (54.5% females; mean age 14.21 years) from six upper secondary schools. Participants completed self-report questionnaires on sociodemographic characteristics, ULBs, ADHD symptoms and psychosocial factors. The most common ULBs were energy drinks/alcohol consumption and problematic smartphone use. Of the sample, 22% showed subclinical ADHD and 20.2% showed clinical ADHD. The subclinical ADHD group showed several ULBs (i.e. altered mindful eating, impaired quality of sleep, problematic technology use) and psychosocial factors, akin to those of ADHD group and different from peers without ADHD symptoms. Since subclinical ADHD manifestation is associated with ULBs, similarly to clinical ADHD, identifying subthreshold symptoms during adolescence is crucial, as it could improve health-related outcomes in adulthood across different domains.

Association of sleep quality, smartphone addiction, and depressive symptoms among undergraduate medical students in Nepal

IntroductionWhile research has examined the connections between sleep quality, smartphone addiction, and depressive symptoms in general, no studies focused on undergraduate medical students in Nepal have specifically tested the complex relationship between these factors. Therefore, this study aimed to investigate the interaction between smartphone addiction, sleep quality, and depressive symptoms among undergraduate medical students of Maharajgunj Medical Campus, Tribhuvan University Teaching Hospital, Kathmandu, Nepal.MethodsA cross-sectional study was conducted among 212 undergraduate medical students at Maharajgunj Medical Campus, Tribhuvan University, Nepal. Sleep quality, smartphone addiction, and depressive symptoms were assessed using the Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index, Smartphone Addiction Scale Short Version, and Patient Health Questionnaire-9. Data were analyzed using IBM SPSS version 26 via the bootstrap model approach.ResultsOut of the total participants, 67.9% were male. Males showed higher scores in smartphone addiction and depressive symptoms than females (b = 5.3, Bca 95% CI:1.2, 9.1, p < 0.05). The unadjusted model indicated that the presence of smartphone addiction explained 36.5% of the indirect impact of sleep quality on depressive symptoms. However, in the adjusted model, after introducing socio-demographic, behavioral, and educational variables as covariates, this percentage decreased to 33.02%.ConclusionThis study highlights the significant role of both smartphone addiction and sleep quality in mediating the indirect effect on depressive symptoms among undergraduate medical students. Smartphone addiction emerged as a key mediator of depressive symptoms, indicating a potentially important factor in mental health. Investigating this relationship further through longitudinal studies will be crucial for developing effective preventative and therapeutic approaches.

Mediation of expressive suppression and emotional well-being in the relationship between loneliness and mobile phone addiction among Chinese adolescents

The relationship between adolescent loneliness and mobile phone addiction has been well-documented; however, little is known about its underlying mechanisms. This study aimed to explore the mediation of expressive suppression and emotional well-being in the loneliness-mobile phone addiction link among Chinese adolescents. A total of 906 adolescents completed the related questionnaires in a cross-sectional study. Results have shown that higher levels of loneliness are associated with higher levels of mobile phone addiction. Meanwhile, the link between loneliness and mobile phone addiction could be independently mediated by expressive suppression and emotional well-being. The serial mediation effect of expressive suppression and emotional well-being could also explain the link between loneliness and mobile phone addiction. These findings highlight potential intervention directions targeting these factors to decrease mobile phone addiction.

The Impact of Cultural Dimensions and Quality of Life on Smartphone Addiction and Employee Performance: The Moderating Role of Quality of Life

AbstractSmartphones, while ubiquitous and beneficial, can lead to problematic use. This study investigates the intricate interplay between cultural dimensions, smartphone addiction, and employee performance. Through the lens of distraction theory, attachment Theory, coping theory combined with Hofstede's cultural dimensions, and self-regulation theory and quality of life, we examine how collectivism, individualism, uncertainty avoidance, and masculinity cultural dimensions influence smartphone addiction and its subsequent effect on employee performance. The findings, based on data collected from 233 employees at a major medical center in the Midwest region of the USA and employing structural equation modeling, reveal a significant cultural influence on smartphone addiction, ultimately leading to a decline in performance. However, quality of life emerges as a crucial moderator, mitigating the negative impact of smartphone addiction. This research offers valuable insights for information systems scholars, highlighting the importance of cultural context in understanding smartphone addiction. Furthermore, the study equips managers with practical knowledge to address smartphone addiction within a culturally diverse workforce. By implementing strategies that enhance employee quality of life, organizations can foster a more productive and engaged work environment.

Unveiling the grip of mobile phone addiction: an in-depth review.

Mobile Phone Addiction represents an emergent addictive disorder that gravely jeopardizes the physical and mental health of adolescents worldwide, necessitating exhaustive research. Current reviews of MPA are in dire need of updates and enhancements. Therefore, this review aggregates the extant research spanning the past two decades on the prevalence, pathogenesis, comorbidities, assessment, and treatment of MPA, aiming to furnish a reference for future investigations into this condition.

A Network Structure of Mental Health and Problematic Mobile Phone Use Among Middle School Students.

Numerous studies have shown that the mental health of middle school students is closely related to problematic mobile phone use. The purpose of this study is to investigate the network structure between the dimensions of the Middle School Students Mental Health Scale and the items of the Self-Rating Questionnaire for Adolescent Problematic Mobile Phone Use by using the network analysis, to clarify the core symptoms and bridge symptoms of the network structure, and to provide ideas and methods for intervening in the mental health and problematic mobile phone use of middle school students. A stratified cluster sampling method was used to select 1637 students from four general middle schools in Xiamen in June 2020 for the survey, and the Middle School Students Mental Health Scale (MSSMHS-60) and the Self-Rating Questionnaire for Adolescent Problematic Mobile Phone Use (SQAPMPU) were used. SPSS28.0 was used for descriptive statistical analysis and R (version 4.2.1) for network analysis. 1. The core symptoms of the network of middle school students' mental health and problematic mobile phone use were "spending more time playing with the phone in order to be satisfied", anxiety, and depression; 2. The bridge symptoms of the network of middle school students' mental health and problematic mobile phone use were academic stress, psychological disequilibrium, and "depression without phone". Reducing the time of smartphone use and relieving anxiety and depression can improve the mental health of middle school students and reduce the incidence of problematic mobile phone use; helping middle school students adjust their study pressure and improving their social support level can reduce the severity of problematic mobile phone use.

Mobile phone dependence among Chinese university students: the contribution of irrational beliefs and solitude.

This research aimed to explore the impact of selected psychological variables on mobile phone dependence among Chinese university students. Specifically, the study focused on the relationship between solitude and irrational beliefs on mobile phone dependence. The study included 2,888 university students from Guangdong, Southern China, and found that both irrational beliefs and solitude had significant direct effects on mobile phone dependence. The study also revealed that solitude mediated the relationship between irrational beliefs and mobile phone dependence. The results of this study indicate that psychosocial environments, including feelings of solitude and irrational beliefs, can influence mobile phone dependence among undergraduate students. Therefore, it is important to pay attention to these factors and their potential impact on student behavior, particularly when it comes to academic growth and development. Further research in this area may help identify effective strategies to address mobile phone dependence among university students and promote healthier psychosocial environments.

Parental mediation and mobile phone dependency among Chinese migrant children: A moderated mediation model of self-control and parent-child communication

Previous research has identified the association between parental mediation and children’s mobile phone dependency. However, limited studies have focused on migrant children and explored the underlying mechanisms from the perspective of the interaction between individual and family. To address this gap, an anonymous self-report survey was conducted among 686 migrant children in mainland China. This study finds that the prevalence rate of mobile phone dependency among migrant children was 33.82%. The results demonstrate that both parental mediation and self-control negatively related to mobile phone dependency among migrant children. Self-control fully mediates the relationship between parental mediation and mobile phone dependency among migrant children. Moreover, parent–child communication moderates the relationship between parental mediation and self-control. Specifically, individuals with high-level parent–child communication exhibit stronger moderating effects compared to those with low-level parent–child communication. These findings contribute to a better understanding of the complex mechanism through which parental mediation affects mobile phone dependency among migrant children while also providing practical implications aimed at preventing and reducing mobile phone dependency

Frequent absent mindedness and the neural mechanism trapped by mobile phone addiction

IntroductionWith the increased availability and sophistication of digital devices in the last decade, young people have become mainstream mobile phone users. Heavy mobile phone dependence causes affective problems (depression, anxiety) and loss of attention on current activities, leading to more cluttered thoughts. Problematic mobile phone use has been found to increase the occurrence of mind wandering, but the neural mechanism underlying this relationship remains unclear. MethodThe current study aimed to investigate the neural mechanism between mobile phone use and mind wandering. 459 university students (averaged age, 19.26 years) from datasets (ongoing research project named Gene-Brain-Behavior project, GBB) completed psychological assessments of mobile phone addiction and mind wandering and underwent resting-state functional connectivity (FC) scanning. FC matrix was constructed to further conduct correlation and mediation analyses. ResultsStudents with high mobile phone addiction scores were more likely to have high mind wandering scores. Functional connectivity among the default mode, motor, frontoparietal, basal ganglia, limbic, medial frontal, visual association, and cerebellar networks formed the neural basis of mind wandering. Functional connectivity between the frontoparietal and motor networks, between the default mode network and cerebellar network, and within the cerebellar network mediated the relationship between mobile phone addiction and mind wandering. ConclusionThe findings of this study confirm that mobile phone addiction is a risk factor for increased mind wandering and reveal that FC in several brain networks underlies this relationship. They contribute to research on behavioral addiction, education, and mental health among young adults.