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During the COVID-19 lockdown in China, the shift of family members' work and study to online platforms accelerated internet proliferation and led to a growing prominence of internet addiction among younger age groups, posing a threat to individual and societal health development. Previous research has primarily focused on upper-grade elementary students, with relatively less attention given to younger age groups, resulting in insufficient representativeness of the elementary student samples. Additionally, research exploring how parental addictive behaviors are associated with the mechanisms of internet addiction among elementary students has been limited, which affects the development of scientifically based and effective intervention measures for addressing internet addiction in this population. This study, grounded in Family Systems Theory, explores the associative mechanisms between parental smartphone dependence and elementary students' internet addiction, specifically examining the mediating role of parent–child conflict and the moderating role of parental roles. Using a convenience sampling method, questionnaires were administered to parents from two elementary schools, resulting in 433 valid responses. Structural equation modeling analysis revealed that parental smartphone dependence is associated with elementary students' internet addiction and that this association is further influenced by the mediating role of parent–child conflict. Additionally, parental roles moderate the relationships between parental smartphone dependence and parent–child conflict, as well as between parent–child conflict and elementary students' internet addiction. Compared to mothers, fathers' smartphone dependence is more significantly correlated with parent–child conflict, and conflicts initiated by fathers are more strongly associated with elementary students' internet addiction. This may be related to China's traditional "male breadwinner, female homemaker" family culture. Mothers typically assume more parenting responsibilities and establish closer emotional bonds with their children, serving as a protective factor against internet addiction. Therefore, it is recommended that parents reduce smartphone dependence to avoid parent–child conflicts, and that fathers increase their involvement in parenting activities to build stronger emotional connections with their children, thereby fostering healthier internet use behaviors among elementary students. The findings provide valuable insights for developing effective family-based interventions to address internet addiction in children. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Parental burnout is a significant risk factor in the degree of preschool children's screen media use, alongside marital conflict and parental smartphone dependence. However, the interactions between parental burnout and these risk factors in influencing preschool children's screen media use remain unclear. The study used network analysis to explore the intercorrelations between parental burnout, marital conflict, and parental smartphone dependence, as well as to compare the intercorrelations between high-risk and low-risk subgroups of screen media use, consisting of 758 preschool children who completed parent-report questionnaires. Results emphasized the central roles of the emotional exhaustion dimension in the network, as it exhibited higher strength and betweenness centrality. Additionally, the study also identified a higher correlation between marital conflict, parental smartphone dependence, and emotional exhaustion in parental burnout. Notably, the findings found no differences in the network structure between the high-risk and low-risk subgroups. These findings highlight the significance of addressing parental emotional exhaustion, marital conflict, and parental smartphone dependence in influencing children's screen media use. The implementation of targeted interventions, focusing on specific nodes within the network, has the potential to enhance the efficacy of interventions aimed at reducing excessive screen media use in preschool children. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

ABSTRACT This study examined the sequential dual mediating effects of negative parenting attitudes, smartphone dependence and aggression on depressive symptoms among adolescents. Data were obtained from the 2018 Korean Children and Youth Panel Survey (KCYPS) conducted by the National Youth Policy Institute. Using a multistage stratified cluster sampling method, the 2018 KCYPS comprehensively examined various aspects of the growth and development of children and adolescents. The study sample included a nationally representative sample of 2541 adolescents. PROCESS macro Model 6 was used to examine the sequential dual mediating model that not only examines the effects of negative parenting attitudes on smartphone dependence and aggression but also establishes the sequential causal relationship between smartphone dependence and aggression, ultimately confirming the direct and indirect effects on depressive symptoms of adolescents. The significance of the mediation effect was verified by applying the bootstrapping method. The findings demonstrated that negative parenting attitudes increased smartphone dependence, which, in turn, elevated depressive symptoms among adolescents. Furthermore, negative parenting attitudes increased smartphone dependence, which heightened aggression, ultimately contributing to depressive symptoms among adolescents. Based on these findings, this study has practical and policy implications for preventing depressive symptoms among adolescents. Prioritizing efforts to reduce smartphone dependence and aggression among adolescents while promoting positive parenting attitudes can play a crucial role in addressing this issue. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The Social bonding theory assumes that social ties are closely associated with maladaptive behavior, and this theory may be applied to explain the smartphone dependence in adolescence. The purpose of this study was to verify how school adjustment mediated the relationship between the parental neglect and smartphone dependence. The data from Korean Children and Youth Panel Survey were utilized in this study. Participants were 2280 students in the 2nd year of middle school [male 1152, female 1128; 13.89 years (SD = 0.34)] who were followed up for four years. We conducted a Multivariate Latent Growth Modeling (LGM) to verify the relationships between variables. In addition, mediating effect was analyzed using the Bootstrapping Test. Findings indicated that parental neglect was negatively associated with school adjustment in the first wave, and school adjustment showed a greater decrease as parental neglect indicated a greater increase. In addition, school adjustment was negatively associated with smartphone dependence in the first wave, and smartphone dependence showed a greater decrease as school adjustment indicated a greater increase. Mediating effect indicated that parental neglect indirectly influences smartphone dependence fully mediating school adjustment. In conclusion, parental neglect indirectly influences smartphone dependence by interfering with school adjustment. In addition, reducing the negative effects of parental neglect on school adaptation may be an effective strategy to prevent smartphone dependence in adolescence. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

During the COVID-19 lockdown in China, the shift of family members’ work and study to online platforms accelerated internet proliferation and led to a growing prominence of internet addiction among younger age groups, posing a threat to individual and societal health development. Previous research has primarily focused on upper-grade elementary students, with relatively less attention given to younger age groups, resulting in insufficient representativeness of the elementary student samples. Additionally, research exploring how parental addictive behaviors are associated with the mechanisms of internet addiction among elementary students has been limited, which affects the development of scientifically based and effective intervention measures for addressing internet addiction in this population. This study, grounded in Family Systems Theory, explores the associative mechanisms between parental smartphone dependence and elementary students’ internet addiction, specifically examining the mediating role of parent–child conflict and the moderating role of parental roles. Using a convenience sampling method, questionnaires were administered to parents from two elementary schools, resulting in 433 valid responses. Structural equation modeling analysis revealed that parental smartphone dependence is associated with elementary students’ internet addiction and that this association is further influenced by the mediating role of parent–child conflict. Additionally, parental roles moderate the relationships between parental smartphone dependence and parent–child conflict, as well as between parent–child conflict and elementary students’ internet addiction. Compared to mothers, fathers’ smartphone dependence is more significantly correlated with parent–child conflict, and conflicts initiated by fathers are more strongly associated with elementary students’ internet addiction. This may be related to China’s traditional “male breadwinner, female homemaker” family culture. Mothers typically assume more parenting responsibilities and establish closer emotional bonds with their children, serving as a protective factor against internet addiction. Therefore, it is recommended that parents reduce smartphone dependence to avoid parent–child conflicts, and that fathers increase their involvement in parenting activities to build stronger emotional connections with their children, thereby fostering healthier internet use behaviors among elementary students. The findings provide valuable insights for developing effective family-based interventions to address internet addiction in children.

Luxia Xiao, Meilin Yao, Hongrui Liu Faculty of Psychology, Beijing Normal University, Beijing, People’s Republic of ChinaCorrespondence: Hongrui Liu, Faculty of Psychology, Beijing Normal University, Beijing, 100875, People’s Republic of China, Email hrliu@bnu.edu.cnPurpose: Drawing upon the cognitive-behavioral model of pathological Internet use (PIU) and tunnel effect, this study aimed to construct a moderated mediation model from the perspective of social ecology. Specifically, the model investigated the relationship between perceived social mobility and smartphone dependence, with a focus on the mediating role of hope and the moderating effect of family socioeconomic status (SES) underlying this relationship.Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted with 718 Chinese university students (Mage = 19.19, 70.2% female) from Beijing, Henan, and Tianjin, who anonymously filled out the Perceptions of Socioeconomic Mobility Scale, Mobile Phone Addiction Index Scale, Openness to the Future Scale, and family socioeconomic status questionnaire. Preliminary data analysis was executed using SPSS 22.0, and the moderated mediation effect was tested using the latent moderated structural equations approach in Mplus 8.3.Results: The results showed that (a) less perceived social mobility was linked with greater smartphone dependence; (b) hope mediated the aforementioned relationship; and (c) family SES moderated the first-stage path of the indirect effect through hope. For university students with low (rather than high) family SES, their level of hope increased with the improvement of perceived social mobility, and in turn, that of smartphone dependence decreased.Conclusion: These findings suggest that positive perceptions of upward social class mobility and hopeful attitudes toward future opportunities and personal development among disadvantaged university students may alleviate their reliance on smartphones. Researchers and policymakers should pay attention to the role of individuals’ perceptions of the macro environment in motivating specific risky behaviors among university students. Future interventions are essential to mitigate pessimistic environmental perceptions and foster a sense of hope among university students.Keywords: family socioeconomic status, hope, moderated mediation, perceived social mobility, smartphone dependence

ObjectiveSleep disturbances among college students have become a significant issue affecting their daily lives. This study aims to explore the relationship between smartphone dependence and sleep quality and examine the mediating roles of negative emotions and health-promoting behaviors.MethodsA total of 23,652 college students were included in the study, and 21,314 valid questionnaires were collected. The survey assessed demographic factors, smartphone dependence, sleep quality, negative emotions, and health-promoting behaviors. A chain mediation analysis was conducted to examine the relationships among these factors.ResultsSmartphone dependence was significantly positively correlated with sleep quality (r = 0.272, p

This study examined (a) differences in estimates of Problematic Mobile Phone Use (PMPU) in adults across 14 countries worldwide and (b) whether personality and psychopathology variables predict PMPU. A sample of 7531 adults (69.6% women; mean age 25.7, SD = 9.9) completed an online survey about PMPU, defense mechanisms, coping strategies, self-esteem, pathological personality traits, and depressive symptoms. The overall mean PMPU score was 104.3 (range 27–270) and 28.1% of the participants self-reported PMPU. Women had significantly higher PMPU overall. Consistent predictors of increased PMPU in the overall sample were younger age, female gender, more hours spent on mobile phone, coping strategies, immature and autistic defenses, depression, and six personality disorders. Significant differences across countries were found in means, self-reported rates, and predictors of PMPU (hours spent, dependent personality, depression, and immature defense were common). Findings pave the way for evidence-based prevention and policy efforts at the public health level. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The research should consider the complex dynamics of social interaction to better understand smartphone dependence among adolescents. In social situations, adolescents can choose to interact with their peers or use their smartphones, and smartphone dependence can drive adolescents far away from interaction with their peers. Adolescents, conversely, may use smartphones to avoid peer interaction because they have experienced social withdrawal or negative peer relationships. Previous research has not discussed enough what precedes or follows in longitudinal relationships. This study aims to examine the reciprocal longitudinal effects between adolescents’ negative peer relationships, social withdrawal, and smartphone dependence. The analysis used longitudinal panel data collected yearly between 2018 and 2020 from the Korean Children and Youth Panel Survey (KCYPS) sampled from adolescents in the Republic of Korea and employed autoregressive cross-lagged modeling on 2230 participants. The reciprocal longitudinal relationships differed depending on the sub-factors of smartphone dependence. For instance, the sub-factor of smartphone dependence, including virtual life orientation and withdrawal, had reciprocal longitudinal relationships with negative peer relationships. The other sub-factor of smartphone dependence, including daily life disturbance and tolerance, influenced negative peer relationships consistently, but the converse path did not. In addition, social withdrawal longitudinally affected negative peer relationships the following year. However, the reciprocal longitudinal relationships between social withdrawal and smartphone dependence were not significant in any path in this research. This research provides practical implications for intervention to reduce smartphone dependence among young adolescents.

The widespread adoption of the smartphone has led to both positive and negative consequences for adolescents' mental health. This study examines the interplay between smartphone dependence (SPD), generalized anxiety disorder (GAD), and various mental health outcomes among Korean adolescents. Data from the 16th Adolescence Health Behavior Survey (2020), including 54,948 middle and high school students, were analyzed. Adolescents were categorized into three groups based on SPD severity. The GAD-7 scale assessed anxiety, and other factors such as subjective health recognition, happiness, weight control efforts, and body mass index (BMI) were considered. Adolescents with higher SPD exhibited lower academic performance, decreased happiness, and increased perception of stress. GAD levels were positively correlated with SPD, with higher SPD linked to more severe GAD symptoms. Additionally, higher SPD was associated with increased loneliness, sadness, and suicidal thoughts, plans, and attempts as well as a greater likelihood of habitual drug use. Gender differences revealed that females were more prone to sadness, hopelessness, and suicidal thoughts, while males exhibited higher rates of drug use. This study highlights the complex relationship between SPD, GAD, and mental health outcomes among Korean adolescents. Stress recognition was found to mediate the association between GAD and SPD. The process-macro result of the total effect between SPD on GAD and the direct effect of the SPD pathway on GAD was significant; thus, the stress recognition was mediated. Effective interventions should target stress management, especially among adolescents with high smartphone dependence, to mitigate the risk of mental health issues. These findings underscore the importance of addressing smartphone dependence and its impact on the mental well-being of adolescents. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Parental phubbing behavior is a significant predictor of adolescent smartphone dependence. However, previous research has mainly focused on the child and adolescent's perspective, overlooking potential differences in how parents and their children perceive parental phubbing. Therefore, this study investigates whether disparities exist in how parents and adolescents perceive parental phubbing and how these perceptual differences impact adolescent smartphone dependence. We also explore the role of the parent–child relationship in this context. In this study, 728 families from a middle school in Wuhan were selected and surveys were administered to both children and parents. The findings are as follows: (1) Significant perceptual differences were found between parents and adolescents regarding parental phubbing. (2) These perceptual discrepancies positively predict adolescent smartphone dependence and negatively impact parent–child relationships. Additionally, parent–child relationships have a negative influence on adolescent smartphone dependence. (3) The parent–child relationship serves as a mediator between perceptual differences in parental phubbing behavior and adolescent smartphone dependence. In summary, this research highlights the importance of considering both parent and adolescent perspectives on parental phubbing and emphasizes the role of the parent–child relationship in influencing adolescent smartphone dependence. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Despite numerous favourable consequences, excessive smartphone usage has been linked to behaviours that might be detrimental or unsettling, at least for some individuals. Accordingly, it becomes fundamental to re-evaluate the classifications and metrics used to identify problematic smartphone use and dependence (PSUD) due to their diverse negative impacts on users. This necessity is driven by factors such as the availability of numerous apps, changes in behaviour resulting from widespread adoption, and the recent impact of COVID-19. The distinction between smartphone dependence and other technological dependencies is a critical aspect explored in this narrative review. Additionally, it clarifies the difference between habitual and discretionary smartphone use. It is worth noting that increased reliance on smartphones has brought about both positive and negative outcomes. On one hand, it has facilitated better management of professional, familial, and social obligations. Conversely, it has led to adverse aspects, including inappropriate usage, excessive engagement, and ineffective use. However, assessing PSUD based exclusively on frequency and duration is an overly simplistic approach. It is essential to investigate the motivations behind smartphone engagement and differentiate between purposeful, productive, goal-oriented utilisation (effectual use) and impulsive, unnecessary interactions (ineffectual use). The terminologies associated with PSUD often complicate the precise definition, identification, and measurement of accompanying behaviours. Moreover, the ever-evolving technological landscape and shifting usage patterns combine these challenges. To address these complexities, this review suggests establishing a standardised framework that investigates the impact of technological shifts, evolving smartphone usage patterns, and behavioural effects. This review examines the causes, effects, and factors that contribute to PSUD, proposing the need to study strategies for effectively identifying and managing challenges related to PSUD.

The purpose of this study was to examine the effect of social withdrawal on negative peer relations mediated by smartphone dependence among Korean youth. A longitudinal analysis of data was conducted from year 1 (2018), year 2 (2019), and year 3 (2020) of the middle school panel of the Korean Children and Youth Panel Survey. Results regarding three variables measured at three time points showed that social withdrawal at the previous time affected smartphone dependence later, and smartphone dependence at the previous time had a static effect on negative peer relations. The results supported a causal relationship that proceeds from social withdrawal to negative peer relations, mediated by smartphone dependence. These results suggest that in the case of early adolescents who show social withdrawal, interventions regarding smartphone usage are needed for the development of sociality in the future by forming good peer relationships during adolescence. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objectives: We aimed to explore the relationship among intolerance of uncertainty (IU), rumination, anxiety, and smartphone dependence (SPD) in preservice teachers during the COVID-19 pandemic. Methods: Two cross-sectional studies were conducted with Chinese preservice teachers, using questionnaires on IU, rumination, anxiety, and SPD. Data were analyzed using AMOS 24.0 and SPSS 25.0, and the mediating mechanism was tested using the macro program Model 6. Study 1 recruited participants who were forcibly sequestered in a university due to an anti-epidemic policy during the COVID-19 crisis. Study 2 was surveyed online from different universities to replicate and enhance the reliability of Study 1 finding. Results: Study 1 (N = 553, Mage = 20.8 ± 2.3, 30.0% female) and Study 2 (N = 1610, Mage = 21.1 ± 2.1, 51.4% female) both found that IU affected SPD through the independent mediators of rumination and anxiety, as well as the chain mediation of rumination→ anxiety. In Study 1, the indirect effect of IU on SPD was significant through rumination (β = 0.16, 95% CI [0.03, 0.06]), anxiety (β = 0.11, 95% CI [0.03, 0.06]), and the chain mediation (β = 0.02, 95% CI [0.01, 0.04]); in Study 2, the indirect effect of IU on SPD was significant through rumination (β = 0.08, 95% CI [0.05, 0.11]), anxiety (β = 0.10, 95% CI [0.08, 0.13]), and the chain mediation (β = 0.02, 95% CI [0.02, 0.03]). Conclusion: Two cross-sectional studies found that preservice teachers’ SPD is indirectly connected to IU, mediated by rumination and anxiety, and weakly mediated by the chain mediation of rumination and anxiety. Our findings may help educators understand the impact of anti-epidemic policies on preservice teachers and possible inclusive later interventions.

Source, message, and situational factors all influence consumers' trust in advertising. Though prior researchers have studied how the message and source impact trust in mobile advertising, this research studies a situational determinant – the platform used to access the ad. Today, as smartphones have become ubiquitous and increasingly serve as the main conduit through which advertising is received, research is needed to examine how dependence on these platforms affects consumers' responses to ads displayed on them. Findings from a large U.S. sample demonstrate that smartphone use frequency positively influences consumers' trust in advertising through smartphone dependence. The results reveal a halo effect – smartphone dependence evokes a state of trust in the device, which is transferred to the ad. Ultimately, this added trust leads to higher purchase intentions. Implications and future directions are offered. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

IntroductionSmartphone usage has significantly increased in the last decade among young adults has significantly increased in the last decade. While its benefits are undeniable, its negative implications are increasingly emerging. Studies are needed to investigate the effects of excessive smartphone use on a young person's life. This study aimed to determine the prevalence of excessive smartphone use among medical students and its relations with social anxiety, self-esteem, and quality of life.MethodsA cross-sectional study was conducted among medical students from Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia (UKM) in UKM Medical Center. A total of 273 students have consented to participate and completed self-reported questionnaires encompassing sociodemographic information, the Short Version Smartphone Addiction Scale (SAS-SV), the Social Interaction Anxiety Scale (SIAS), the World Health Organization Quality of Life (WHOQOL-BREF) and the Rosenberg Self-esteem Scale (RSES). Sociodemographic data, SIAS score, WHOQOL-BREF score and the Rosenberg Self-esteem Scale score were treated as independent variables. Smartphone addiction Scale score was treated as the dependent variable. Bivariate analysis was used to explore the relationship between independent and dependent variables using the Fisher exact test, Pearson Chi-Square and Pearson correlation coefficient. Multiple linear regression analysis was used to analyze the variables with a p-value of < 0.05 from the Pearson correlation coefficient test.ResultsThe percentage of excessive smarphone use among UKM medical students is 48%. The bivariate analysis showed that excessive smartphone use has a small but significant positive correlation with social anxiety (r = 0.173, p = 0.004) and negative correlations with physical health (r = −0.133, p = 0.028), psychological wellbeing (r =−0.135, p = 0.026), social relationships (r = −0.232, p = 0.001), environment (r = −0.260, p = 0.001) and self-esteem (r = −0.128, p = 0.035). In the multiple regression analysis, a better environment predicted a reduced risk for smartphone addiction (β = −0.233, p = 0.013).ConclusionAlmost half of the students were found to have smartphone overdependence. Excessive smartphone use has shown a significant relationship with an increased risk for social anxiety, reduction in self-esteem, and quality of life among medical students. A closer look into the possible intervention is needed in the future to curb the negative effects arising from excessive smartphone use.

Smartphone usage has brought great convenience to our daily life. However, the detrimental consequences of smartphone dependence also require special attention. Based on the theory of planned behavior (TPB), this study designed a questionnaire to investigate college students' withdrawal from smartphone dependence. The reliability and validity of the questionnaire were tested. The results showed that the reliability of the questionnaire was good (α = 0.84–0.94). The principal component analysis was conducted, contribution rates of these factors were moderately high (62.06%–82.35%). The validity was verified through confirmatory factor analysis. All the model fit indices were higher than the acceptable standard, which indicated the construct validity of the TPB questionnaire is good. The results of the multi-group structural equation model revealed that the model provided excellent fit to the data in each demographic group. The results of structural equation model presented that, in most demographic groups, students' attitude, subjective norm, and perceived behavioral control of withdrawal from smartphone dependence positively influenced their behavioral intention. Furthermore, subjective norm was the most effective predictors in each group. However, part of the paths from intention to behavior failed to reach the significant level, and their coefficients are relatively small. This reveals the gap between college students' withdrawal intention and their actual behavior, and there may be other factors influence the relationship between the two variables. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background/Objective: Smartphone addiction, smartphone dependence, and compulsive smartphone use all describe similar phenomena that can cause problems in everyday daily life in many countries worldwide. Most scholars agree that it is the applications on smartphones that individuals have problems with rather than the smartphone itself. For this reason, smartphone application-based addiction is an issue of concern and one instrument has been specifically developed to assess this risk, namely, the Smartphone Application-Based Addiction Scale (SABAS). Although the SABAS has been translated into a number of languages, it has not been translated or validated into Indonesian. Methods: The SABAS was translated into Bahasa Indonesian utilizing a cross-cultural method to ensure its linguistic validity. The linguistic validity of the Indonesian SABAS was ensured using international standard translation guidelines. Moreover, reliability and validity testing of the translated Indonesian SABAS were carried out using Cronbach’s α, McDonald’s ω, confirmatory factor analysis (CFA), and correlations with psychometric scales assessing psychological distress and nomophobia. Results: Using a sample of 458 participants (mean age = 22.46 years), reliability tests showed that the Indonesian SABAS was acceptable (Cronbach α = 0.74; McDonald’s ω = 0.79). Construct validity of the Indonesian SABAS was supported by satisfactory CFA fit indices; concurrent validity supported by good correlations with psychological distress (r = 0.50) and nomophobia (r = 0.61). Conclusions: The Indonesian version of SABAS is valid and reliable to be used for assessing the risk of smartphone application-based addiction in college students.

Increases in depressive and suicide-related symptoms among United States adolescents have been recently linked to increased use of smartphones. Understanding of the brain mechanisms that underlie the potential smartphone dependence may help develop interventions to address this important problem. In this exploratory study, we investigated the neural mechanisms underlying potential smartphone dependence in a sample of 19 adolescent volunteers who completed self-assessments of their smartphone dependence, depressive symptoms, and sleep problems. All 19 adolescents underwent diffusion MRI that allowed for assessment of white matter structural connectivity within the framework of connectomics. Based on previous literature on the neurobiology of addiction, we hypothesized a disruption of network centrality of three nodes in the mesolimbic network: Nucleus Accumbens, anterior cingulate cortex, and amygdala. Our results showed positive correlations between the node centrality of the right amygdala and self-reported smartphone dependence, between smartphone dependence and sleep problems, and between sleep problems and depressive symptoms. A higher phone dependence was observed in females compared to males. Supported by these results, we propose a model of how smartphone dependence can be linked to aberrations in brain networks, sex, sleep disturbances, and depression in adolescents.

Increases in depressive and suicide-related symptoms among United States adolescents have been recently linked to increased use of smartphones. Understanding of the brain mechanisms that underlie the potential smartphone dependence may help develop interventions to address this important problem. In this exploratory study, we investigated the neural mechanisms underlying potential smartphone dependence in a sample of 19 adolescent volunteers who completed self-assessments of their smartphone dependence, depressive symptoms, and sleep problems. All 19 adolescents underwent diffusion MRI that allowed for assessment of white matter structural connectivity within the framework of connectomics. Based on previous literature on the neurobiology of addiction, we hypothesized a disruption of network centrality of three nodes in the mesolimbic network: Nucleus Accumbens, anterior cingulate cortex, and amygdala. Our results showed positive correlations between the node centrality of the right amygdala and self-reported smartphone dependence, between smartphone dependence and sleep problems, and between sleep problems and depressive symptoms. A higher phone dependence was observed in females compared to males. Supported by these results, we propose a model of how smartphone dependence can be linked to aberrations in brain networks, sex, sleep disturbances, and depression in adolescents. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Early adolescent smartphone dependence has emerged as a significant social and public health issue. Previous research showed that multiple ecological risks including family, school, and peer risk factors played important roles in early adolescent smartphone dependence. However, these studies have examined risk factors individually rather than examining the cumulative risk effect. Based on the Ecological Systems Theory and Risk-Protective Factor Theory, the present study focused on the longitudinal association between cumulative ecological risk and early adolescent smartphone dependence. We tested two mediating mechanisms of this association, namely social anxiety and self-compassion, and examined possible gender differences in these mediation processes. The study adopted a three-wave longitudinal design spanning one year, with a six-month interval between each wave. 357 secondary school students (M age = 12.58 years, SD = 0.61, 52.1% girls) from two middle schools in China participated in this study. As expected, cumulative ecological risk positively predicted smartphone dependence one year later, and social anxiety and self-compassion were parallel mediators of this longitudinal association. Meanwhile, there were gender differences in the mediation model. The results provide a theoretical and empirical basis for the development of prevention and intervention strategies and public health policies to reduce the likelihood of early adolescents' smartphone dependence. • Cumulative ecological risk (CER) predicted smartphone dependence (SD) one year later. • Social anxiety mediated the longitudinal association between CER and SD in boys. • Self-compassion mediated the longitudinal association between CER and SD in girls. • The results enrich the Ecosystem Theory and Risk-Protective Factor Theory. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background/Objectives: Although smart phone is known for its convenient functions and portability, it is also causing smart phone addiction which is becoming a serious social issue. The objective of this study was to determine the degree of smartphone dependence in university students majoring in radiology and analyze the influence of smartphone addition on their interpersonal relationships. Method/Statistical Analysis: : A questionnaire was used to survey 431 university students about the use of smartphone. The questionnaire had 26 questions. Each question was evaluated with a 5-point Likert scale. Its Cronbach's a value was 0.893. Students' satisfaction for interpersonal relationship was determined according to their situation. Three additional socio-demographic characteristics (economic level, addiction, and gender) were also determined. Questions and answers were provided face-to-face. Findings: Overreliance on smartphones was the highest in living standards with income at the "middle" level with 240 (55.64%) and female students at 184 (42.6%) in gender, higher than 247 (57.3%) for male students. In terms of interpersonal satisfaction, 247 (57.3%) male students showed high levels of satisfaction with each other's relationships, while in terms of smartphone overreliance, the group of people who are not satisfied (3.545±0.34) showed high levels. Correlation analysis showed a static correlation between sex and smartphone over-dependence (r = .217, p<.001), and there was a negative correlation between smartphone and interpersonal satisfaction (r = -.236, p<.001). Improvements/Applications: Based on results of this study, a program should be developed to prevent smartphone dependence of students and raise interpersonal satisfaction. Results of this study could be used as basic data necessary for education on smartphone dependence prevention in university students. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A contribution to the growth in data use is the need to access a wide range of services on the internet. In this paper, I examine the implications for people experiencing homelessness of data use necessitated by large-scale digitisation of government services and other everyday interactions. The findings from a published study are reviewed and used in conjunction with reports, websites, and inclusion policy literature to support a discussion of the impacts of whole-of-government digital transformation agendas in Australia and internationally. I argue online services drive demand for smartphones and push up data consumption, creating new burdens of cost and connectivity for people who are homeless, who rely heavily on the mobile for online access. I argue for a systematic approach to address access and affordability barriers in a data-driven society, including updating universal service measures, expanding low-income subsidies to include home broadband and mobile data and voice, and connecting inclusion efforts with other equity and justice approaches. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract The smartphone, through its small size, ease of use, proliferation of free or cheap apps, and constant connectivity, changes our life in a way that goes well beyond what we experienced with previous media. This study examined smartphone users' perception and evaluation of their dependent behavior during the 2014 communication blackout (March 20) that lasted 6 h in South Korea. Based on the interviews with 70 smartphone users between March 22 and March 30, 2014, this study identified two types of dependence – functional dependence which stresses instrumental usefulness of the smartphone and existential dependence which focuses on obsessed, often unconscious, attachment to the smartphone. Although the two types of dependence may overlap each other, those who perceive existential dependence were more reluctant in acknowledging negative aspects of smartphone use than those who perceive functional dependence. In addition, functionally dependent users were more willing to change their dependent behaviors than existentially dependent people. Smartphone users, regardless of their types of dependence, denied that they were addicted to the smartphone. Highlights • There are functional and existential dependence of smartphone heavy use. • Functional dependence stresses instrumental usefulness of the smartphone. • Existential dependence focuses on obsessive, often unconscious, attachment. • Existential dependent users are more reluctant in acknowledging negative effects. • Functionally dependent users are more willing to change heavy reliance on the smartphone. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background and aims: Problematic smartphone use (PSU) is an emerging but understudied public health issue. Little is known about the epidemiology of PSU at the population level. We evaluated the psychometric properties of the Smartphone Addiction Scale - Short Version (SAS-SV) and examined its associated sociodemographic factors and health behaviors in Chinese adults in Hong Kong. Methods: A random sample of 3,211 adults aged ≥18 years (mean ± SD: 43.3 ± 15.7, 45.3% men) participated in a population-based telephone survey in Hong Kong and completed the Chinese SAS-SV. Multivariable linear regressions examined the associations of sociodemographic factors, health behaviors, and chronic disease status with SAS-SV score. Data were weighted by age, sex, and education attainment distributions of the Hong Kong general population. Results: The Chinese SAS-SV is internally consistent (Cronbach's α = .844) and stable over 1 week (intraclass correlation coefficient = .76, p < .001). Confirmatory factor analysis supported a unidimensional structure established by previous studies. The weighted prevalence of PSU was 38.5% (95% confidence interval: 36.9%, 40.2%). Female sex, younger age, being married/cohabitated or divorced/separated (vs. unmarried), and lower education level were associated with a higher SAS-SV score (all ps <.05). Current smoking, weekly to daily alcohol drinking, and physical inactivity predict greater PSU after controlling for sociodemographic factors and mutual adjustment. Discussion and conclusions: The Chinese SAS-SV was found valid and reliable for assessing PSU in Hong Kong adults. Several sociodemographic and health behavioral factors were associated with PSU at the population level, which may have implication for prevention of PSU and future research. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background and aims: This study examines the relationship between social support (from parents and peers) and cigarette use, through the mediating effect of smartphone dependence, among adolescents. Study design: Prospective cohort study. Methods: A survey, conducted among 472 adolescents (average Age=16.2 years) attending classes in 3 schools in Lille, France, provides the data. The theoretical model features social support (parental and peer) and cigarette use, with smartphone dependence as a mediator, such that the authors simultaneously examine direct (support → cigarette use) and indirect (eg, peer support → smartphone dependence → cigarette use) paths. Results: The results illustrate that both parental support and peer support discourage cigarette use, but the indirect effect through smartphone dependence is positive. That is, smartphone dependence mediates the relationship between peer support and cigarette use. Parental support and peer support shape adolescents' cigarette use and smartphone dependence differently, depending on the adolescents' gender. Conclusions: Policy makers should acknowledge the positive effects of social support, the negative effect of smartphone dependence, and the importance of gender when developing anti-smoking policies and campaigns. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background and aims: Research examining problematic mobile phone use has increased markedly over the past 5 years and has been related to "no mobile phone phobia" (so-called nomophobia). The 20-item Nomophobia Questionnaire (NMP-Q) is the only instrument that assesses nomophobia with an underlying theoretical structure and robust psychometric testing. This study aimed to confirm the construct validity of the Persian NMP-Q using Rasch and confirmatory factor analysis (CFA) models. Methods: After ensuring the linguistic validity, Rasch models were used to examine the unidimensionality of each Persian NMP-Q factor among 3,216 Iranian adolescents and CFAs were used to confirm its four-factor structure. Differential item functioning (DIF) and multigroup CFA were used to examine whether males and females interpreted the NMP-Q similarly, including item content and NMP-Q structure. Results: Each factor was unidimensional according to the Rach findings, and the four-factor structure was supported by CFA. Two items did not quite fit the Rasch models (Item 14: "I would be nervous because I could not know if someone had tried to get a hold of me;" Item 9: "If I could not check my smartphone for a while, I would feel a desire to check it "). No DIF items were found across gender and measurement invariance was supported in multigroup CFA across gender. Conclusions: Due to the satisfactory psychometric properties, it is concluded that the Persian NMP-Q can be used to assess nomophobia among adolescents. Moreover, NMP-Q users may compare its scores between genders in the knowledge that there are no score differences contributed by different understandings of NMP-Q items. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background and aims: Gaming applications have become one of the main entertainment features on smartphones, and this could be potentially problematic in terms of dangerous, prohibited, and dependent use among a minority of individuals. A cross-national study was conducted in Belgium and Finland. The aim was to examine the relationship between gaming on smartphones and self-perceived problematic smartphone use via an online survey to ascertain potential predictors. Methods: The Short Version of the Problematic Mobile Phone Use Questionnaire (PMPUQ-SV) was administered to a sample comprising 899 participants (30% male; age range: 18-67 years). Results: Good validity and adequate reliability were confirmed regarding the PMPUQ-SV, especially the dependence subscale, but low prevalence rates were reported in both countries using the scale. Regression analysis showed that downloading, using Facebook, and being stressed contributed to problematic smartphone use. Anxiety emerged as predictor for dependence. Mobile games were used by one-third of the respective populations, but their use did not predict problematic smartphone use. Very few cross-cultural differences were found in relation to gaming through smartphones. Conclusion: Findings suggest mobile gaming does not appear to be problematic in Belgium and Finland. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Smartphone dependence (SPD) is increasingly regarded as a psychological problem, however, the underlying neural substrates of SPD is still not clear. High resolution magnetic resonance imaging provides a useful tool to help understand and manage the disorder. In this study, a tract-based spatial statistics (TBSS) analysis on diffusion tensor imaging (DTI) was used to measure white matter integrity in young adults with SPD. A total of 49 subjects were recruited and categorized into SPD and control group based on their clinical behavioral tests. To localize regions with abnormal white matter integrity in SPD, the voxel-wise analysis of fractional anisotropy (FA) and mean diffusivity (MD) on the whole brain was performed by TBSS. The correlation between the quantitative variables of brain structures and the behavior measures were performed. Our result demonstrated that SPD had significantly lower white matter integrity than controls in superior longitudinal fasciculus (SLF), superior corona radiata (SCR), internal capsule, external capsule, sagittal stratum, fornix/stria terminalis and midbrain structures. Correlation analysis showed that the observed abnormalities in internal capsule and stria terminalis were correlated with the severity of dependence and behavioral assessments. Our finding facilitated a primary understanding of white matter characteristics in SPD and indicated that the structural deficits might link to behavioral impairments.

Background: Overuse of smartphone amongst today's young generation has assumed an epidemic proportion. Assessment of severity of Nomophobia and Smartphone use related problems is important as it can help to ascertain the current adverse consequences of Smartphone problematic use. The study aims to assess the association between smartphone dependence, nomophobia and quality of life in undergraduate medical and nursing students in a tertiary care referral hospital cum medical institution in India., Subjects and Methods: This cross-sectional study involved 437 medical and nursing undergraduate students, which involved assessing their dependence for smartphone and nomophobia using the Test for Mobile Phone dependence (TMD) questionnaire brief version and Nomophobia Questionnaire (NMP-Q) respectively., Results: The average hours spent on smartphone per day for the study population was 3.2 hours. Smartphone dependence was found in 12% of study participants. Nearly 50% in each batch had moderate degree of nomophobia and around 13-15% had severe nomophobia. Both smartphone dependence and nomophobia were significantly associated with each other and had significant associations with poorer quality of life in the medical and nursing students. Preclinical medical students scored higher in all the domains of Smartphone dependence and nomophobia questionnaire and were associated with poor quality of life compared to other batches., Conclusion: Excessive smartphone use is associated with poorer quality of life in medical and nursing students. More studies in future are required that will involve various age groups and other educational streams which willadd up to the existing knowledge on technology addiction.

Previous studies have proved the importance of relationships for students' smartphone use and addiction, but we knew little about the combined effects of relationships. In 7920 children (M age = 10.29, SD = 0.56) and 14,354 adolescents (M age = 14.13, SD = 0.50), we explored the combined effects of parent-child relationship (PCR) and peer relationship (PER) on smartphone use and addiction through a comprehensive analysis method—response surface analysis (RSA). Through RSA, we could provide the simultaneous and nuanced assessment of the combined effects in one model. Results revealed that when PCR and PER matched, the combined effects conformed to additive model, which meant good relationships protect students. When relationships mismatched, for children, the combined effect conformed to compensation mode, which meant even just one good relationship could protect students; but for adolescents, their good PER played interferential roles, increasing the risk of smartphone addiction and use. The results helped to intervene students' smartphone use in more practical ways. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction: On the world stage unlimited internet access by smartphones have made in social, cultural and economic relations, has transformed the world to be faster and more efficient. In this context, health care requires more attention. Health professionals must be concerned about the majority of the patient's care on the use of smartphone's in this process. Smartphones can be cause distractions and cause poor patient care. Behavioral and psychological changes related to abusive and uncontrolled use in this population may create severe impacts not only on the user's life but also on the community health care., Method: A careful research was performed through PubMed, Web of Science and Psycho Info databases using the terms: "Smartphone addiction", "Smartphone dependence", "Smartphone abuse", "physicians", "nurses" and ''health professionals". The search covered the past 5 years up to August 2019. Articles that examine abusive use on smartphones in health professionals were included. We analyzed how this concept evolved over the last five years and hope to contribute to the better understanding of the issue and its impacts on this population and on the health care., Results: There is a lack of specific trial instruments on screening of smartphone addiction or abusive use, tending to adopt different diagnostic criteria by the reports included. There are also a lack of studies discussing etiology of this compulsive behavior. Although known risks, published reports show there is no consciousness of abusive use and possible damages in healthcare by some health professionals. Instead, there are others that can affirm there are unpredictable risks in patient care and tend to stimulate conscience use politics in health settings. Most of them point out smartphone's app benefits., Conclusion: Smartphones and its functionalities became part of everyone's life by the various benefits guaranteed. However, an addictive behavior can cause damage, principally in the Health Care setting and health professional's abusive use must be monitored. Further investigation is needed to determine the motivations of this addictive behavior and if abusive smartphone usage is a new psychiatric classification or merely the substrate of other disorders., Competing Interests: Declaration of conflicting interests: The author(s) declared no potential conflicts of interest with respect to the research, authorship, and/or publication of this article., (© The Author(s) 2020.)