Smartphone Use Research Articles

Problematic Use of Smartphones and Social Media on Sleep Quality of High School Students in Mexico City.

Smartphones, internet access, and social media represent a new form of problematic behavior and can affect how teens sleep. A cross-sectional design was employed to examine the prevalence and association of problematic internet use and problematic smartphone use with sleep quality in a non-probability sample of 190 high school students in Mexico. The internet-related experiences questionnaire (IREQ), the mobile-related experiences questionnaire (MREQ), and the Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index (PSQI) were used. The study revealed that 66% of participants exhibited some form of problematic internet use, primarily in the form of social media use; 68% had some form of problematic smartphone use, and 84% reported poor sleep quality. The PSQI score was most accurately predicted by problematic smartphone use (MREQ), followed by enrollment in the morning school shift, participation in sports, the father's education level, and knowledge that "smartphone use disturbs sleep", which together explained 23% of the variation in sleep quality. Excessive smartphone use may negatively affect sleep quality in adolescents. We recommended that interventions be implemented to educate adolescents about appropriate and healthy use of technology, in parallel with the promotion of preventive sleep habits.

EXAMINING MOBILE ADDICTION AND ITS IMPACT ON ENGINEERING STUDENTS IN COIMBATORE: A COMPREHENSIVE STUDY

This study investigates the phenomenon of mobile addiction among engineering students in Coimbatore, a city renowned for its prestigious engineering institutions. Mobile addiction, characterized by excessive and compulsive use of smart phones, has become a pressing concern in higher education due to its potential adverse effects on academic performance, social relationships, and mental health. Utilizing a structured questionnaire, data were collected from 300 engineering students across various colleges in Coimbatore. The study examines the prevalence of mobile addiction, its impact on academic outcomes, social interactions, and psychological well-being, and identifies contributing factors such as academic pressure, social media usage, and availability of entertainment apps. Findings reveal that 65% of respondents exhibit signs of mobile addiction, with a higher incidence among male students and those in their first and second years of study. A significant correlation was found between high mobile usage and lower academic performance, highlighting distractions during lectures and study sessions as major issues. Socially, over half of the students reported feelings of isolation and conflicts in relationships due to excessive mobile use, alongside symptoms of anxiety and depression. The study underscores the urgent need for interventions to address mobile addiction in this demographic. Recommendations include implementing awareness programs, promoting digital well-being, encouraging face-to-face interactions, and providing counselling services to help students manage their mobile phone use effectively. By addressing these challenges, educational institutions can foster a healthier, more balanced approach to mobile technology, enhancing both academic success and overall well-being among engineering students in Coimbatore.

Study protocol of a proposed Neurofeedback-Assisted Mindfulness Training Program on symptoms of anxiety and psychological distress associated with smartphone use in young adults: a randomized controlled trial.

Nomophobia is a specific phobia characterized by the appearance of anxiety, nervousness, discomfort and distress when the mobile phone is not used and is considered an emerging public health problem because of the negative consequences on the physical and mental health of young people and adolescents, especially women. Neurofeedback-Assisted Mindfulness Training Programs may prove beneficials for improving self-control abilities, a key ability in addressing addictive behaviors. The main objective of this study is to evaluate the impact, in a young population aged 18-35 years, of an intervention based on Neurofeedback-Assisted Mindfulness Training Program (NAMTP) on disorders associated with problematic use of mobile phones. The effect of the intervention on the total score in the nomophobia test and habits of internet and social network use, as well as on signs of depression, anxiety and stress will be analyzed. As a secondary objective, the effect of the intervention on signs of insomnia will be analyzed. Randomized, controlled clinical-trial with two-parallel groups. 40 young adults (18-35 years) will be included and randomly assigned to Intervention Group-NAMTP or Control Group (CG). The NAMTP will include a total of 25 sessions (2-3/week) during 3-months. Each session will have a duration of 10/15 min. The instrument to be used for the neurofeedback sessions is MUSE® (InteraXon Inc.). Study variables will be collected at the baseline visit and at the final visit (3-months after randomization). During these visits, questionnaires will be administered to evaluate the main and secondary variables that will include the Smartphone Addiction Scale-Short Version, Nomophobia Questionnaire, Depression, Anxiety and Stress Scale 21-item (DASS-21) and Athens Insomnia Scale. This trial will make an important contribution to the need for evidence of effective education programs and other primary care interventions through new non-invasive interventions in reducing the risk of developing addictions to new technologies and alleviating the symptoms of discomfort associated with this problem. The project was approved by the Clinical Research Ethics Committee of the Salamanca Health Area (CEIm Code: PI 2023 071340). ClinicalTrials.gov, http://www.Clinicaltrials.gov/ct2/show/NCT06188910.

The Relationship Between Smartphone Addiction and Sleep Quality in Youth of GMIM “Eben Haezar” Kaaten Congregation

Sleep is a vital process for human recovery, occurring predominantly during rest. High-quality sleep is essential for the recovery process, helping to alleviate excessive fatigue, while poor sleep quality can lead to reduced immunity. One significant issue affecting young people today is sleep quality, which is influenced by various factors, including smartphone use. This study aimed to investigate the relationship between smartphone addiction and sleep quality among the youth of the GMIM "Eben Haezar" Kaaten. Conducted in August 2024, this cross-sectional study included all 173 youth registered in the GMIM Youth SIT, with a research sample consisting of 63 respondents. The study variables were smartphone addiction and sleep quality, analyzed using univariate and bivariate methods. Results showed that 36 respondents (57.1%) experienced a high level of smartphone addiction, while 28 respondents (44.4%) reported poor sleep quality. The study concluded a significant relationship between smartphone addiction and sleep quality, with a p-value of 0.010 and a significance level of α = 0.05.

The Associations Between the Problematic Social Media and Smartphone Use, Social Phobia, and Self-Esteem: A Structural Equation Modeling Analysis

AbstractSocial phobia has often been associated with problematic social media use (PSMU) and problematic smartphone use (PSU). Studies have also shown an association between social phobia and self-esteem. However, no studies have analyzed the relationship between social phobia, self-esteem, PSMU, and PSU in an integrated model. The present study hypothesized that social phobia may influence PSMU and PSU through the role of self-esteem. A cross-sectional study comprising 400 Italians (74.75% female) with a mean age of 37.11 years (SD = ± 10.83) participated in the study that included Rosenberg’s Self-Esteem Scale, Bergen Social Media Addiction Scale, Severity Measure for Social Phobia Disorder, and Smartphone Application-Based Addiction Scale. The results indicated direct positive associations between social phobia and both types of problematic technology use (PSMU and PSU). The results also indicated that self-esteem was a partial mediator in this complex relationship, suggesting that excessive technology use could be a way to compensate for low self-esteem among individuals with social phobia. The present study contributes to the understanding of the psychological mechanisms underlying the relationship between social anxiety, self-esteem, and problematic technology use.

Principal–agent trust and adoption of digital financial services: Evidence from India

AbstractThe high reliance on cash is a lifestyle for many people, and their low proficiency with smartphone usage acts as an inertial barrier to using digital financial services (DFS). Given low financial or digital literacy, online banking transactions have to be promoted and mediated by DFS agents. This study examines the role of digital platforms, intermediaries such as banks, mobile money agents, payment banks, post offices, and the government's increasing use of digital technologies. This usage of digital platforms is based on the trust relationship between the principals, who are owners of their bank accounts, and agents of DFS, who are intermediaries. A linear probabilistic model is employed to determine the determinants behind the low adoption of DFS between the necessity and nonnecessity groups. We observe that demand‐side factors like education level, identity proof (documentation), and level of smartphone use proficiency increase the probability of a principal's involvement in a digital mode of payment. At the same time, supply‐side factors like digital infrastructure and trust deficit due to unviable commission incentives to DFS agents decrease the principal's likelihood of using digital platforms.

Comparative Study for Virtual Personal Assistants (VPA) and State-of-the-Art Speech Recognition Technology

Numerous types of virtual assistants have emerged as a result of the widespread use of smartphones, the expansion of their services, the tremendous advancements in automatic speech recognition and AI, and the growing reliance on virtual personal assistants (VPAs) for basic daily tasks like playing music, sending texts, making restaurant reservations, and getting weather updates. The popularity of virtual personal assistants is largely attributable to their convenient blend of user-friendliness and natural language interaction. This study comprehensively examines various virtual personal assistants powered by AI. It briefly overviews each, such as Microsoft Cortana, Samsung Bixby, Apple SIRI, Google Assistant, and Amazon Alexa. This study also includes a comprehensive overview of the state-of-the-art speech recognition used in virtual personal assistants. The findings show that each Virtual Personal Assistant has advantages, and a user may select any of them depending on his preferences and needs.

Evaluation of the quality of oral hygiene mobile apps for children using the mobile app rating scale

BackgroundWith the increased use of smartphones, mobile applications (apps) aimed at promoting healthy behaviors have experienced exponential growth. ObjectivesThis study aimed to provide an overview of mobile apps that use gamification to motivate children to maintain optimal oral hygiene and to evaluate the quality of the oral hygiene apps for children (OHACs) available in the Turkish Google Play Store and the Apple Store. MethodsBetween January 20 and February 2, 2024, OHACs were searched in the Turkish Google Play Store and the Apple Store. Seven apps were assessed using the Mobile Application Rating Scale (MARS) and evidence-based dentistry criteria (EBD). We used Microsoft Office Professional 2016 (Microsoft Excel 2016; Microsoft Corp, Redmond, WA, USA) and IBM SPSS Statistics version 29 for Windows (IBM Corp, Armonk, NY, USA) for all the data analyses and visualizations. ResultsThe best overall MARS scores were obtained for Diş Doktoru: Dentist (3.53 ± 0.15) and Diş Hekimi Oyunları: Dentist Game (3.72 ± 0.33). The worst overall MARS scores were obtained for Truthbrush (2.76 ± 0.06) and Mimizaur (2.85 ± 0.09). Hayvan Diş Hekimi: Animal Dentist, Diş Hekimi Oyunları, and the Brush Teeth Game: Kids Dentist included the most evidence-based content. ConclusionMost OHACs achieved moderate MARS scores for promoting oral hygiene habits among children. Improving the quality and educational content of OHACs could increase personal oral care motivation in children. More research is required to determine the long-term effects of the apps and whether they align with oral hygiene guidance.

Prevalence, incidence and associated factors of musculoskeletal disorders before and during the Covid-19 pandemic in faculty members: a comparative cross-sectional study

BackgroundThe COVID-19 pandemic has led to the broad acceptance of distance education (DE), with university professors and students conducting the teaching–learning process remotely from their homes. The propose of this study to investigate the prevalence of musculoskeletal disorders (MSDs) before and during the COVID-19 pandemic and identify risk factors associated with DE that may contribute to an increased incidence of these disorders among university professors.MethodsThis cross-sectional analytical study took a comparative approach and involved 310 university professors in Iran. Data were gathered using an online questionnaire. Initially, demographic and occupational information of the professors, hours of physical activity, and hours spent using electronic devices were recorded. Participants were then asked to report MSDs in various body areas throughout the previous year and the previous seven days. Finally, MSDs risk factors such as workstation ergonomics during computer, laptop, smartphone, and tablet use, as well as working postures during online teaching or offline content development during the COVID-19 pandemic, were examined.ResultsThe majority of the participants were male (66.13%), with a PhD (46.77%) and a faculty member position (74.2%). On average, the use of computers and laptops increased by 2.67 h and 2.72 h, respectively, during the pandemic compared to before the pandemic. This increase was statistically significant (P < 0.001). MSDs incidence increased significantly before and during the COVID pandemic was observed in the areas of the neck, shoulders, lower and upper back, arms, forearms, wrists and fingers (P < 0.05). The highest cumulative incidence (Cin) of MSDs was related to the neck (Cin = 24.20%), upper back (Cin = 21.29%), low back (Cin = 18.06%) and fingers (Cin = 16.13%). The prevalence of MSDs during the COVID pandemic was significantly associated with employment status (P = 0.042), work experience (P = 0.016), age (P = 0.027), increase in the use of computers/ laptops (P < 0.001), decrease of the smartphone/tablet distance from the body (P = 0.047), workstation (smartphone-tablet, computer, laptop) (P < 0.05), head position (smartphone-tablet) (P = 0.029), display height (computer/laptop) (P = 0.045) and physical activity (P = 0.006).ConclusionsIt appears that the increased duration of smartphone, computer, and laptop use, combined with decreased physical activity and detrimental changes in ergonomic conditions of workstations during the quarantine period caused by the COVID-19 pandemic, has resulted in a shift from dynamic to static tasks and an increase in the prevalence and incidence of MSDs among university professors.

Association of electronic screen exposure with depression among women in early pregnancy: a cross-sectional study

BackgroundPrevious studies indicated that excessive engagement in digital devices could lead to negative psychological impacts in general population. We aimed to determine the association of electronic screen exposure with depression among women in early pregnancy.MethodsA cross-sectional study was conducted from June 2021 to June 2022. A total of 665 women in early pregnancy were recruited and the information included socio-demographic characteristics, screen exposure and Patient Health Questionnaire − 9 depression scale.ResultsAmong the women in early pregnancy, the total daily smartphone viewing time was the longest (median [P25-P75], 5 [3–6] hours/day) in the three types of electronic screen exposure. The total daily smartphone viewing time (P = 0.015, OR[95%CI] = 1.09[1.11–1.18]), smartphone (P = 0.016, OR[95%CI] = 1.24[1.04–1.47]) and television viewing time (P = 0.006, OR[95%CI] = 1.35[1.09–1.67]) before nocturnal sleep were significantly associated with depression among women in early pregnancy. The thresholds calculated by receiver operator characteristic curves were 7.5 h/day, 1.5 h/day and 1.5 h/day, respectively. In addition, women with higher scores of smartphone addiction were more susceptible to depression (P<0.001, OR[95%CI] = 1.11[1.07–1.16]). The top three smartphone usages in women with depression were watching videos (22.0%), listening to music (20.9%) and playing games (16.7%).ConclusionsIn conclusion, electronic screen exposure, including screen viewing time, smartphone addiction and problematic smartphone use was associated with depression among women in early pregnancy. Further studies are warranted to verify the conclusions.

Layanan Konseling Kelompok Teknik Self Managament dalam Mereduksi Intensitas Penggunaan Smartphone

The purpose of this study was to determine the effectiveness of group counseling services self-management techniques to reduce the intensity of smartphone use. This type of research is an experimental research with a one group pretest-posttest design. The research sampling technique used purposive sampling with 6 students. Based on the paired test results, the t test sample showed the results that t-count (6.564) ≥ t-table (2.015), this shows that group counseling services, self-management techniques have proven effective in reducing the intensity of smartphone use in students. Furthermore, for teacher recommendations, guidance and counseling, schools can implement and develop group counseling, self-management techniques as an alternative strategy to reduce the intensity of smartphone use.

Evidence-Based Recommendations for Tablet Recordings From the Bridge2AI-Voice Acoustic Experiments

BackgroundAs part of a larger goal to create best practices for voice data collection to fuel voice AI research, the objective of this study was to investigate the ability of readily available iOS and Android tablets with and without low-cost headset microphones to produce recordings and subsequent acoustic measures of voice comparable to “research quality” instrumentation. MethodsRecordings of 24 sustained vowel samples representing a wide range of typical and disordered voices were played via a head-and-torso model and recorded using a research quality standard microphone/preamplifier/audio interface. Acoustic measurements from the standard were compared to two popular tablets using their built-in microphones and with low-cost headset microphones at different distances from the mouth. ResultsVoice measurements obtained via tablets + headset microphones close to the mouth (2.5 and 5cm) strongly correlated (r’s > 0.90) with the research standard and resulted in no significant differences for measures of vocal frequency and perturbation. In contrast, voice measurements obtained using the tablets’ built-in microphones at typical reading distances (30 and 45cm) tended to show substantial variability in measurement, greater mean differences in voice measurements, and relatively poorer correlations vs. the standard. ConclusionFindings from this study support preliminary recommendations from the Bridge2AI-Voice Consortium recommending the use of smartphones paired with low-cost headset microphones as adequate methods of recording for large-scale voice data collection from a variety of clinical and non-clinical settings. Compared to recording using a tablet directly, a headset microphone controls for recording distance and reduces the effects of background noise, resulting in decreased variability in recording quality. Data Availability StatementData supporting the results reported in this article may be obtained upon request from the contact author.

Visual-Motor Integration (VMI) Is Also Relevant for Computer, Smartphone, and Tablet Use by Adults: Introducing the Brief Box Clicking Test.

Visual-motor integration (VMI) is typically examined in children to promote handwriting, but it may also be relevant for adults' capacity for technology use. To examine the reliability and validity of speed of completion of the box clicking test, a web-based test of VMI. Participants in the Understanding America Study completed online surveys on a regular basis, including a very brief (less than 30 s) self-administered box clicking test. For validity testing, we examined whether box clicking speed was associated with constructs relevant to visual-perceptual skills and motor coordination, the skills underlying VMI. Test-retest reliability was examined by computation of intraclass correlation coefficients. A total of 11,114 adults. Measures included the completion time for the box clicking task and measures relevant to visual perception (e.g., perceptual speed) and motor coordination (e.g., self-reported functional limitation). Results suggested that the box clicking test was a VMI task. Slower test performance was associated with lower visual-perceptual speed and a greater likelihood of reporting difficulties with dressing, a motor coordination relevant task. Box clicking tests taken within at least 2 yr of one another had moderate test-retest stability, but future studies are needed to examine test-retest reliabilities over brief (e.g., 2-wk) time intervals. The box clicking test may serve both as a tool for research and to clinically observe whether clients have VMI difficulties that interfere with computer, smartphone, or tablet use. Plain-Language Summary: Use of devices such as smartphones and computers is increasingly becoming integral for daily functioning. Visual-motor integration (VMI) has often been addressed by occupational therapists to support handwriting of children, but it may also be important for technology use by adults. Prior literature supports the relevance of VMI to technology use, and adults with various chronic conditions have been found to have decrements in VMI. We tested the psychometric properties of a brief box clicking test of VMI that could be used to examine VMI underlying technology use among adults. Overall, results suggested that the box clicking test was a VMI task. Just as speed of gait has been used as an index of functional mobility, speed on the box clicking task seemed serviceable as an index of VMI ability. The box clicking test may also be used for clinical observation of whether VMI interferes with technology use.

Abstract P186: Current practices and interest in mobile health among individuals with or at risk for hypertensive disorders of pregnancy

Background: The integration of smartphones, mobile health (mHealth) apps, and digital therapeutics into healthcare has transformed remote monitoring and patient-provider communication. Such technologies are currently underutilized, but could provide value to those in need of more frequent monitoring. Pregnant individuals with or at risk for hypertensive disorders of pregnancy (HDP) could potentially benefit from this technology. Methods: Pregnant individuals, ages 20-50, with a diagnosis of or risk factors for HDP, were recruited from a large academic medical center from June 2020 to January 2024 to complete an electronic survey. Data on sociodemographic variables, smartphone/wearable device use, health app and patient portal (MyChart) use, and interest in mHealth apps were collected. Statistical analysis was done using STATA/BE 18.0. Results: Of the 103 participants, the mean age was 31.9 (SD 5.5) years, 44.6% were Hispanic or Black, and 98.1% used smartphones ( Table ). Individuals over age 30 had lower smartphone use than those under 30 (p=0.04) and most with a smartphone had mhealth apps (64.4%). Interest in wearing a smartwatch for remote monitoring and communicating with providers via a secure mhealth app was high among participants (88.3% and 78.6% respectively). No significant differences in these interests were observed by race, age, and residence (urban/suburban vs. rural). Conclusion: Pregnant individuals with or at risk for HDP demonstrated high interest in using mhealth applications and smartwatches for communication with providers and remote monitoring. Effectively integrating these technologies into patient care may enhance access to and increased engagement with care among individuals with high-risk pregnancies.

Problematic smartphone use and adolescent’s depression trajectory patterns

ABSTRACT This research aimed to examine the trajectory patterns of depression among South Korean adolescents and the individual and social predictors of these trajectories. For this purpose, a growth mixture model was used, employing 4 years of longitudinal data from 2,607 adolescents (50.4% female, M age ranged from 10 to 13 years, SD = .096–.097). The analysis revealed three subtypes: moderate-maintained depression, high-decreasing depression, and low-increasing depression. Problematic smartphone use emerged as a critical factor influencing the depression trajectories, which has not been extensively explored in previous research. Depression was linked to being female, low self-esteem, parental rejection and inconsistency, and low peer support.

Pengaruh Penggunaan Smartphone terhadap Minat Belajar Siswa Kelas XI di Madrasah Aliyah Negeri 1 Sijunjung Tahun Pelajaran 2023/2024

The aim of this research is to determine the effect of smartphone use on class XI students' interest in learning at MAN 1 Sijunjung. This type of research is case study research. The research was carried out in 2024. The population of this research was class XI students at MAN 1 Sijunjung. The total population was 115 students. Data was collected using a questionnaire and tested using simple linear regression analysis. The independent variable was smartphone use, while the dependent variable was students' interest in learning. The data analysis technique used is the prerequisite analysis test which includes normality test and linearity test, simple linear regression test and hypothesis test. The research results show that: Based on the results of research analysis regarding simple linear regression calculations between smartphone use and interest in learning, it is known that the significant value is 001&lt;0.05, which means that smartphone use has an effect on interest in learning. Based on the calculation, the correlation between smartphone use and interest in learning is rcount&gt;rtable (0.572&gt;0.181), so it can be said that there is a positive and significant relationship between variable X (smartphone use) and variable Y (interest in learning). Therefore, the proposed hypothesis is declared accepted.

ICT adoption, commercial orientation and productivity: Understanding the digital divide in Rural China

This study investigates the impact of Chinese smallholders’ adoption of Information and Communication Technologies—the use of smartphones and computers connected to the internet—on their commercial orientation, land, and labor productivity. Commercial orientation is the share of farm output for sales in the market. We used a control function approach and a selectivity-corrected model. The study uses national survey data from rural sample households, the China Household Database, and the China Household Finance Survey and Research Center. Findings reveal that the adoption of information and communication technologies by Chinese farmers increased the commercial orientation of farming. Furthermore, adopting information and communication technologies increases land and labor productivity by about 21.3 % and 28.2 %, respectively. Farm households’ commercial orientation improved labor productivity by about 35.9 %. Heterogeneity indicates that the adoption of information and communication technologies has a more significant effect on improving productivity for young household heads and small farmers. Policymakers should establish information and communication technologies training programs, develop digital infrastructure, and promote smallholder commercial production to increase agricultural productivity.

The relationship between smartphone usage and eating behavior for elementary school students in Gangneung, South Korea: cross-sectional study

Objectives: This study investigates the relationship between smartphone usage and eating behavior among elementary school students. Methods: This survey was conducted on 4th- to 6th-grade students at elementary schools in Gangneung from September 6th to September 15th, 2023. Of the 129 copies of the questionnaire that were distributed to 5 schools, 66 copies (51.2%) were returned. Results: Compared to the nationwide statistics, the smartphone ownership rate of elementary school students in Gangneung was lower, but the rate of smartphone overdependence was higher. Smartphone dependence was 21.12 points for study subjects and 26.00 points for the overdependence risk group (Org). Compared to national statistics, the self-control failure factor was higher, so study participants in Gangneung City are thought to have great difficulty with self-control. The Org’s weekend smartphone use time of 7.54 hours was significantly more than the general user group (Gug)’s 4.06 hours. The number of days in which the Org consumed late-night snacks per week was 2.92 days, and the Gug had 2.15 days, but the difference was not significant. Eating fast food showed a positive correlation with eating sweet food, eating fatty food, and eating heavily seasoned food. It was found that frequent consumption of fast food is closely correlated with unhealthy eating behavior. Weekend smartphone use time showed a significant positive correlation with smartphone dependence and the number of days late-night snacks consumed per week. Conclusions: Study participants in Gangneung are more dependent on smartphones than national statistics. Smartphone dependence had a negative correlation with healthy eating behavior and a correlation with average unhealthy eating behavior.

Smartphone use and its addiction among Jammu adolescents

Background: Smartphones play a crucial role in our everyday life. Smartphones help users to develop social connections with others, gain information and entertain themselves through various applications. With the widespread use of smartphone, the number of smartphone users has been increasing worldwide. As smartphones are getting popular, smartphone addiction has become a serious mental health problem among adolescents. Objectives: To find out significant differences in smartphone addiction among adolescents with respect to their gender and locale. Methodology: Descriptive survey method was used for conducting the study. The sample consists of 200 adolescents of government and private schools from Jammu and Kathua. ‘Smartphone Addiction Scale’ (2021) developed by Vijayshri and Masaud Ansari was used for data collection. Results: It was found that smartphone addiction was significantly higher among female adolescents (M=65.34) as compared to their male counterparts (58.61). Further, it was also found that smartphone addiction was significantly higher in urban adolescents (M=64.37) than rural adolescents (M=59.08). Conclusion: In order to combat smartphone addiction among adolescents, we advise the creation of healthy environment at the family and school levels. Teachers should provide knowledge to the students about smartphone security tips and educational programmes should be organized for protecting psychological well-being of the adolescents.

Women’s Safety in Digital Space

This article explores the relationship between privacy concerns and women’s empowerment in the context of India’s growing Smart Cities Movement and prevalent smartphone use. Using feminist ideas and legal frameworks to address cyberbullying, online harassment, cyberfraud and misogyny, it addresses cybersecurity and data privacy issues. The study emphasises the value of gendered implications of urban security and participatory design principles in smart city efforts. It suggests examining cyberfeminism and highlights the need for women to take an active role in developing safe online environments. Findings point to weaknesses in the legal systems that exist today as well as the possibility that technological improvements will exacerbate gender disparity. Legislative mandates should be strengthened, gender gaps in digital literacy should be closed, gender-sensitive design should be incorporated into smart city initiatives and women working in activism and digital technology should be encouraged to collaborate.