Mobile Phone Addiction: Evidence from Empirical Research

Abstract

Introduction

Recent technological innovations have led to a proliferation of mobile and smartphones, which have become the cornerstone of modern societies in the 21^st Century in terms of communication, notifications and entertainment. Latest research however suggests that with the advantages offered by mobile technologies, smartphone use today may have a significant impact on mental health and well being. Overuse has been associated with stress, anxiety, depression and addiction.

Objectives

This talk aims to highlight results of current mobile phone addiction research.

Aims

To replicate and extend earlier research with regards to psychopathology (depression, anxiety and stress), mobile phone use and age on problematic mobile phone use and addiction.

Methods

Individuals aged 16 and above participated in an online study that contained a pool of validated psychometric measures. Data were analyzed using Structural Equation Modeling.

Results

Calls per day, time spent on the phone and using social media significantly predicted prohibited and dependent mobile phone use, whereas stress predicted dependent use only. Anxiety and depression did not significantly predict problematic mobile phone use. Findings also revealed that problematic mobile phone use is prevalent across all ages and both genders.

Conclusions

The current results have implications for addiction to using mobile phones, and suggest teachers, parents and affected individuals may benefit from awareness and prevention efforts, respectively.

This talk is based on Kuss, D.J. et al. (2016). Problematic mobile phone use and addiction: The roles of psychopathology, mobile phone use and age. Under review, and was funded by the British Academy and NTU.

Disclosure of interest

The author has not supplied his declaration of competing interest.