Problematic Use of the Internet and Smartphones in University Students: 2006-2017

Area of Science:

• Psychology
• Sociology
• Digital Health

Background:

• Growing concerns regarding addictive internet and mobile phone use.
• Recent scientific discussions on classifying these behaviors as mental disorders.
• Need to investigate the temporal prevalence of problematic technology use.

Purpose of the Study:

• To analyze the prevalence of perceived problematic internet and smartphone use among young people from 2006 to 2017.
• To compare current usage patterns with historical data.
• To explore the relationship between social media use and problematic technology engagement.

Main Methods:

• Administered questionnaires on internet use habits and negative consequences to 792 university students.
• Compared current study scores with results from previous research using the same instruments.
• Longitudinal analysis of problematic use trends over an 11-year period.

Main Results:

• Perception of problematic internet and mobile phone use increased over the decade, with social networks identified as a primary driver.
• Females were perceived as more affected than males.
• Participants in 2017 reported more negative consequences than in 2006, but a decrease in problematic use was observed after a 2013 peak.

Conclusions:

• Problematic internet and smartphone use, particularly linked to social media, has shown an increasing trend.
• The diagnosis of technological addictions is dynamic, influenced by temporal, social, and cultural shifts.
• Further research is needed to understand the long-term trajectory and societal impact of digital addiction.