"The Psychological Path from Loneliness to Smartphone Addiction"
Originally Published 1 year ago — by PsyPost
A new study suggests that loneliness contributes to addictive smartphone use among adolescents, with self-esteem and boredom proneness acting as mediators. The need to belong also plays a role, amplifying the effects of boredom proneness and loneliness on addictive smartphone use. The findings highlight the complexity of factors contributing to smartphone addiction and emphasize the importance of social dynamics in understanding this behavior among young people. However, the study's cross-sectional design and reliance on self-reported measures are noted as limitations, and future research is recommended to explore the evolution of addictive smartphone use over time and consider additional motivational and contextual factors.