Escaping negative moods and concentration problems play bridge roles in the symptom network of problematic smartphone use and depression

Abstract

BackgroundProblematic smartphone use (PSU) has become an issue of great concern in the age of smartphones. PSU is associated with emotional problems, one of which is depression, as shown by empirical studies. However, previous studies have been limited in that they have focused solely on the total score for symptoms of PSU and depression while ignoring the symptomatic heterogeneity of these two concepts.MethodThis study filled this gap by exploring links between symptoms of PSU and depression among 1,849 university students (59.17% female participants, 17–23 years old). Network analysis was utilized to reveal symptom connections, central symptoms, and bridge symptoms between PSU and depression.Results(1) A total of 17 of 81 symptom connections (about 21%) between PSU and depression existed in the symptom network. For example, “self-control failure” for PSU was positively correlated with “concentration problems” for depression; (2) “recklessly continuing” for PSU and “fatigue” for depression were central symptoms within the PSU symptom network and depression symptom network, respectively; (3) “escaping negative moods” for PSU and “concentration problems” for depression were bridge symptoms. The former was maximumly connected with the depression symptoms and the latter was maximumly connected with the PSU symptoms; and (4) gender had very minimal influence on the network characteristics.ConclusionThe results are in keeping with the central idea of the compensatory internet use theory that excessive smartphone use may be a coping strategy for depressed emotions derived from escaping motivation. Moreover, concentration problems may be a mediator explaining how negative emotions (e.g., depression) cause PSU, which is undefined in current internet use theories. Finally, symptom connections, central symptoms, and bridge symptoms could be potential targets for the prevention and intervention of PSU and depression in young adults.

Impact of Learning Burnout on Mobile Phone Dependence Among Adolescents in Western China Under the “Double Reduction” Policy: The Mediating Role of Social Support

“… 28 According to compensatory network use theory, mobile phones and the Internet can be used as a way of compensating for negative emotions in adolescents, but the failure of self-control in the use of mobile phones was positively correlated with MPD. 29 In addition, direct and indirect evidence for learning burnout and MPD in adolescents has been provided by previous studies. Direct evidence comes from Zhang et al 30 study of 1475 adolescents in China, which showed that MPD was a direct predictor of learning burnout.…”

The potential causal relationship between various lifestyles and depression: a univariable and multivariable Mendelian randomization study

“…Prolific smartphone use can also deteriorate sleep quality, indirectly increasing the risk of depression ( 59 ). A study indicates that over-reliance on smartphones might be a strategy driven by an escapist motive linked to depression ( 60 ). However, most studies focus primarily on adolescent populations, and many of the findings are indirect, which imposes certain limitations on the research methods.…”

Factores de riesgo en el uso del teléfono móvil y de las redes sociales en los estudiantes universitarios

“…La adicción a los teléfonos inteligentes y los síntomas depresivos son dos problemas prevalentes y altamente correlacionados entre los estudiantes universitarios (Shi et al, 2023), aspectos que se ven reflejados en los resultados de este trabajo, al vincularse el uso del teléfono móvil con un estado emocional, convirtiendo el móvil en una herramienta para enfrentarse a estados emocionales desagradables, al usarse cuando se sienten solos (66%) o cuando se siente mal (32.3%), siendo estos resultados coincidente con los de otros trabajos (Romero y Aznar, 2019;Echeburúa, 2012;Pourafshari et al,2022;Wei et al,2023).…”