The Impact of Nomophobia, Stress, and Loneliness on Smartphone Addiction among Young Adults during and after the COVID-19 Pandemic: An Israeli Case Analysis

Internet addiction of university students in the Covid-19 process

This study delves into the intricate dynamics of internet addiction among university students, leveraging a comprehensive quantitative approach to unravel the myriad factors influencing this modern-day malaise. Utilizing logistic regression analysis, this research delineates the predictive significance of Daily Internet Usage Time (DIUT) and Communicative Internet Use Frequency (CIUF) on the propensity for internet addiction, with the analysis substantiating these variables as potent predictors. The model elucidates a significant variance in internet addiction, affirming the complexity of internet addiction as influenced by a constellation of behavioral patterns. Amidst the backdrop of the COVID-19 pandemic's exacerbation of digital dependency, this investigation sheds light on the escalation of internet use to addictive levels, prompted by prolonged isolation and the pivot to online learning platforms. This study underscores the resultant educational and psychological ramifications, highlighting a surge in addiction and its associated detriments such as diminished academic performance, social isolation, and a deterioration in mental health. Comparison of these findings with existing literature reveals a nuanced understanding of internet addiction, characterised by the interaction between individual behaviours and broader socio-economic and psychological contexts, such as the duration of daily internet use and the frequency of communicative internet use. This synthesis argues for a holistic strategy to address internet addiction, emphasizing the need for educational interventions, improving digital literacy and promoting healthy digital habits. By pinpointing the multifaceted nature of internet addiction and its predictors within the university student demographic, this research contributes to the ongoing discourse on digital dependency, proposing a multidisciplinary approach to develop resilient academic environments and support systems. It underscores the urgent need for targeted research to identify predictive factors of internet addiction, thereby enabling the formulation of effective strategies and policies for mitigating its impact on students' academic and psychological well-being. This study not only captures the complexity of internet addiction but also provides critical insights crucial for developing informed educational strategies and interventions in the digital age.

Fun in a Box? Loneliness and Adolescents' Problematic Smartphone Use: A Moderated Mediation Analysis of the Underlying Mechanisms

Addictive smartphone use is one of the most concerning behaviors among adolescents. The present study investigated the indirect effects of self-esteem and boredom proneness and the moderating role of the need to belong on the link between loneliness and addictive smartphone use (ASU). Our sample included 357 adolescents aged 12 to 19 (Mage = 15.56, SD = 1.01, 57.42% males) from ten public schools in Romania. We used a moderated mediation approach, with moderation of the both second mediation paths and the direct effect path. Results suggested that the influence of loneliness on ASU was statistically significant and partially mediated both by self-esteem and boredom proneness. Adolescents' need to belong significantly moderated the positive association between boredom proneness and ASU, and the direct negative association between loneliness and ASU; however, it did not moderate the negative association between self-esteem and ASU. Thus, high levels of the need to belong also increased the influence of boredom proneness on AUS and had a marginally significant effect on the relation between loneliness and ASU. These results suggested that adolescents' need to belong, self-esteem, and boredom proneness might contribute to developing ASU. Interventions centered around countering the adverse effects of excessive technology use ought to consider group activities that facilitate social bonding to satisfy the participants' need to belong, reduce their levels of boredom, and, thus, reduce the risk of developing ASU symptoms.

Mediating effect of social interaction anxiety between emotional intelligence and life satisfaction in physical education students: post-COVID-19 study

The aim of this research is to analyze the effect of social interaction anxiety on satisfaction with life mediated by emotional intelligence. The research design was descriptive, cross-sectional, and non-randomized. In total, 1,164 Mexican physical education students participated (Mage = 21.21; SD = 3.26; 30.0% female; 69.6% male; 0.4% other). The scales used were the Social Interaction Anxiety Scale, Trait Meta-Mood Scale and Satisfaction with Life and a structural equation analysis with latent variables was conducted. The results highlight that it can be asserted that emotional clarity and repair had a mediating effect between social interaction anxiety and satisfaction with life, as they did decrease the negative effects of social interaction anxiety on satisfaction with life. In addition, social interaction anxiety had a direct and positive effect on emotional attention and a negative effect on emotional clarity and repair.

The relationship between loneliness and problematic smartphone use among adolescents during the COVID-19 pandemic: The mediating role of negative emotions and maladaptive coping

INTRODUCTION

Given the observed increased feelings of loneliness and problematic smartphone use among adolescents during the COVID-19 pandemic, further research was needed to determine whether and how the increased loneliness of adolescents during such major public health crisis events affects the risk of problematic smartphone use among adolescents. This study aimed to examine the relationship between loneliness and problematic smartphone use among Chinese adolescents (aged 10-16 years) during the COVID-19 pandemic and to investigate the possible mediating role of negative emotions and maladaptive coping.

METHODS

A total of 672 Chinese adolescents (Mage  = 13.05, SD = 1.51, 50.4% boys, 93.8% from rural areas, 22.5% of whom were only children) took part in this cross-sectional study in April 2022 by completing the Chinese adolescent version of the Loneliness Scale, the Positive and Negative Affect Scale (subscale), the Ways of Coping Questionnaire, and the Mobile Phone Addiction Index Scale.

RESULTS

The serial mediation model revealed that negative emotions and maladaptive coping independently mediated the relationship between adolescents' loneliness and problematic smartphone use. In addition, the mediation effects of "negative emotions-maladaptive coping" could also mediate the relationship between loneliness and problematic smartphone use.

CONCLUSIONS

Loneliness may be positively related to problematic smartphone use through negative emotions and maladaptive coping among adolescents during major public health crisis events, such as the COVID-19 pandemic.

COVID-19 victimization experience and university students' smartphone addiction: the mediating role of emotional intelligence

OBJECTIVES

During the post-COVID-19 era, everyone has the risk of contracting the virus and becoming the victims of COVID-19. Examining the relationship between the COVID-19 victimization experience and its effects is more urgent. The aim of present study is to propose a mediation model to investigate the association between COVID-19 victimization experience and smartphone addiction, and the mediating role of emotional intelligence.

METHODS

A online questionnaire including the COVID-19 Victimization Experience Scale, the Smartphone Addiction Scale, and the Emotional Intelligence Scale among Chinese university students, were employed in this study. Finally, 1154 valid questionnaires were collected. The reliability and confirmatory factor analysis results showed that all three scales had good reliability and validity.

RESULTS

Structural Equation Model (SEM) demonstrated that COVID-19 victimization experience significantly predicted smartphone addiction in university students, and emotional intelligence partially mediated the association between COVID-19 victimization experience and smartphone addiction. Bootstrap results furthermore tested the rigor of the mediating effect.

CONCLUSION

COVID-19 victimization experience was a important variables in predicting university students's martphone addiction, and emotional intelligence was a protective factor in decreasing the negative effect of COVID-19 victimization experience on addictive behaviors. It is suggested that instructors should integrate emotional intelligence training programs into mental health courses so as to improve students' emotional intelligence ability.

The Relationship between Nomophobia, Insomnia, Chronotype, Phone in Proximity, Screen Time, and Sleep Duration in Adults: A Mobile Phone App-Assisted Cross-Sectional Study

Earlier studies that have investigated the association between nomophobia and insomnia revealed that a strong relationship exists between both variables. This study aimed to explore possible associations between these variables and their impact on physical and mental health outcomes using a cross-sectional study design and mobile phone apps to collect data. Using a survey approach, data were collected from 444 participants (52% female, mean age 34 ± 12) using the Nomophobia Questionnaire (NMP-Q), the Insomnia Severity Index (ISI), the Morningness-Eveningness Questionnaire (MEQ) and three Android mobile phone apps. The Plees Tracker, screen time, and pedometer apps aided in collecting data on sleep duration, time spent on screen per day, and how close the phone was to the person. A statistically significant association was noted between nomophobia and insomnia, nomophobia and the eveningness chronotype, and nomophobia and screen time. The eveningness chronotype was also associated with an increased screen time use. The results show that NMP-Q, ISI, and screen time increase according to the chronotype. No statistically significant differences were noted in daily steps or sleep duration according to chronotype. The findings suggest that interventions targeting nomophobia may be beneficial in addressing insomnia among adults, particularly those with an evening chronotype. Future studies should consider exploring the causal relationship between them.

The relationship between self-esteem and mobile phone addiction among college students: The chain mediating effects of social avoidance and peer relationships

Introduction

Mobile phone addiction has a negative impact on the physical and mental health of college students, which has attracted extensive attention from scholars.

Methods

In this study, we investigated the mechanism of the influence of self-esteem on mobile phone addiction among 694 college students using the Self-Esteem Scale, the Mobile Phone. Addiction Scale, the Peer Relationship Scale and the Social Avoidance and Distress Scale.

Results

The results showed that (1) self-esteem significantly and negatively predicted mobile phone addiction; (2) self-esteem influenced mobile phone addiction through the mediating effect of social avoidance; (3) self-esteem influenced mobile phone addiction through the mediating effect of peer relationships; and (4) social avoidance and peer relationships played a chain mediating role in the influence of self-esteem on mobile phone addiction.

Discussion

These findings can help researchers and educators better understand the underlying mechanisms of the relationship between self-esteem and mobile phone addiction and to provide practical and effective operational suggestions for the prevention and intervention of mobile phone addiction among college students.

Impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on the mental and physical health and overall wellbeing of university students in Portugal

Throughout the pandemic of COVID-19 caused by SARS-CoV-2, university students were considered a vulnerable risk group for mental health impairment and wellbeing deterioration. This study aimed at evaluating the pandemic's impact on the physical and mental health and wellbeing among students of a Portuguese university. This cross-sectional study included 913 participants and ran from June to October 2020. Data collected included sociodemographics, three mental health self-report questionnaires (Depression Anxiety Stress Scale, Eating Disorder Examination Questionnaire and Brief COPE) and lifestyle practices (eating and sleeping patterns, media, and entertainment habits) during the first months of the pandemic, which included a 72-day full national lockdown. Descriptive and correlational statistical analysis were conducted. Students' food habits changed during the pandemic, namely on the consumption of snacks and fast food and, overall, less balanced meals became more prevalent. Additionally, almost 70% of the students reported Body Mass Index changes, while 59% went through sleep pattern changes-these were more pronounced in women and younger students. Over half (67%) of the inquirees exhibited an increase in their stress, depression, and generalized anxiety symptoms. Also, the study demonstrates that students' lifestyles trended negatively during the pandemic and highlights how important regular psychological, health monitoring and emotional support is, amongst this somehow overlooked population throughout the pandemic. Universities should provide support to overcome challenges in future stressful situations. This study might have an impact on how universities and higher education systems approach their students in terms of mental and physical health monitoring and promotion in future situations, non-related with COVID. Moreover, it has a large sample of students well characterized in terms of mental and physical health, which might be of interest for future comparison with other worldwide group of students throughout stressful situations, such as tragic events, wars, pandemics.

The Impact of Undergraduates' Social Isolation on Smartphone Addiction: The Roles of Academic Anxiety and Social Media Use

The COVID-19 pandemic has an adverse effect on the physical health of societies and individuals. One important concern is the effect of social isolation on the mental health of undergraduates, such as academic anxiety, smartphone addiction and other social psychological problems. The purpose of this study was to investigate associations among undergraduates' social isolation in this special context, social media use for obtaining information about the COVID-19 pandemic (i.e., communicative and non-communicative), academic anxiety, and smartphone addiction. A cross-sectional survey was conducted from May to June in 2022 and a total of 388 undergraduates were included. The results showed significant positive associations between social isolation and smartphone addiction and academic anxiety. Furthermore, academic anxiety played a mediating role in the effect of social isolation on smartphone addiction, which was moderated by non-communicative social media use. Some theoretical and practical implications as well as research limitations are discussed.

The Influence of Technostress on Cyberslacking of College Students in Technology-Enhanced Learning: Mediating Effects of Deficient Self-Control and Burnout

College students frequently experience technostress and engage in cyberslacking whilst participating in technology-enhanced learning (TEL). This research aimed to investigate the influence mechanism of technostress on college students' cyberslacking. This research recruited 634 students from two Chinese colleges to complete a web-based questionnaire adapted from previous research. Structural equation modelling was adopted and the research results showed that: in TEL (1) college students' technostress significantly and positively affected cyberslacking; (2) deficient self-control partially mediated college students' technostress and cyberslacking; (3) burnout partially mediated college students' technostress and cyberslacking; and (4) deficient self-control and burnout played a chain mediating role between college students' technostress and cyberslacking. These findings improve our understanding of the influence college students' technostress has on cyberslacking in TEL, and several suggestions to reduce college students' cyberslacking in TEL are proposed.

Factors associated with Facebook addiction among university students amid the COVID-19 pandemic: Findings from an online cross-sectional survey

Background

Facebook addiction (FA) has been suggested as a potential behavioral addiction. There is a severe lack of research evidence regarding the Facebook addiction behavior among university students during the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic. The aim of this study was to determine factors associated with Facebook addiction among Bangladeshi university students.

Methods

A cross-sectional online survey was conducted among 2,161 Bangladeshi university students during the COVID-19 pandemic from June 2021 to September 2021. A well fitted regression model in R programming language was used for this study.

Results

Female respondents and those whose family monthly income was <25,000 BDT were more addicted to Facebook than other respondents. Respondents who lost a family member or a relative to COVID-19, engaged in physical activities (exercise) during the pandemic, used Facebook for work purposes or used Facebook to relieve daily stress were more addicted to Facebook.

Conclusion

Overuse of social media is problematic as it can trigger several mental health symptoms, especially among students. Adequate and effective interventions are required to educate students about the dangers of Facebook addiction and to provide an alternative, healthy options.

Effects of Difficulty in Handling Emotions and Social Interactions on Nomophobia: Examining the Mediating Role of Feelings of Loneliness

This study was addressed to assess nomophobia in an Italian sample (N = 456, 53.1% men, M age = 31.8, SD = 11.1), also providing a deeper knowledge about how it is distributed across demographics, as well as identifying its best predictors. The main goal was to investigate the direct and indirect effects of difficulty in emotion regulation and social interaction anxiety on nomophobia through loneliness. Our findings indicated that loneliness explained the effect of the expressive suppression strategy (fully) and social interaction anxiety (partially) on nomophobia, whereas it was not a significant mediator when the cognitive reappraisal strategy was taken into account. Our study suggests that loneliness during the pandemic plays a crucial role in explaining the associations between the investigated predictors and the outcome variable, offering a deeper understanding of the underlying mechanisms of this emerging construct. Theoretical and practical implications are discussed, and shortcomings and suggestions for future works are presented.

Social support as a mediator in the relationship between perceived stress and nomophobia: An Investigation among Malaysian university students during the COVID-19 pandemic

This study examined the mediating role of social support in the relationship between perceived stress and nomophobia among Malaysian university students during the COVID-19 pandemic. A cross-sectional study was conducted with N = 547 university students. Participants answered a self-administered questionnaire measuring nomophobia, social support, and perceived stress. Exploratory analyses were conducted using partial least square structural equation modelling. We found that perceived stress was positively associated with nomophobia during the COVID-19 pandemic, whilst social support partially mediated the relationship between perceived stress and nomophobia. The results of this study indicated that stress may be buffered by social support in individuals with higher levels of nomophobia.

Impulsivity and Depressive Brooding in Internet Addiction: A Study With a Sample of Italian Adolescents During COVID-19 Lockdown

This contribution presents a study conducted on a sample of Italian adolescents (n = 411) in the period of the first COVID-19 lockdown. The study investigated the role and predictive weight of the impulsivity and depressive brooding variables on Internet addiction, using a hierarchical regression analysis. The participants were administered the Uso-Abuso e Dipendenza da Internet [Internet Use-Abuse and Addiction] (UADI-2), the Barratt Impulsiveness Scale-11 (BIS-11), and the Ruminative Response Scale (RRS). In terms of percentage distribution, 28% of the participants were in the full dependency range, while 34.7% demonstrated Internet abuse behavior. The results highlighted not only the predictive value of impulsiveness (β = 0.323) and ruminative thinking (β = 0.258), but also the role of gender (β = -0.205) on Internet addiction. Thus, male participants showed higher levels of Internet addiction, with higher scores on impulsiveness and brooding way of thinking. The study shows that the issue in question is significantly present among adolescents; in addition, not only targeted awareness programmes but also psycho-educational and clinical interventions to promote greater emotional and cognitive control would be necessary as a preventive and mitigating measure. Psychological interventions can help increase self-awareness, develop emotional regulation and impulse control, and correct maladaptive cognitions which in adolescents are mostly driven by a ruminative cognitive style.