PROBLEMATIC SMARTPHONE USE RESEMBLES BEHAVIORAL ADDICTION

Researchers at the University of Toronto reported that problematic smartphone use exhibits characteristics similar to behavioral addiction, affecting users’ mental health and daily functioning.

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The findings, based on a global study of over 50,000 participants, underscore the growing concern about excessive smartphone habits.

STUDY FINDINGS

The study, led by postdoctoral researcher Jay Olson at the University of Toronto's Mississauga campus, surveyed 50,423 individuals aged 18 to 90 across 195 countries, using the Smartphone Addiction Scale to assess problematic smartphone use. Results showed that women scored higher than men in problematic use, with the gap narrowing as age increased. Younger users, particularly those who grew up with smartphones since their widespread adoption around 2009, displayed more pronounced symptoms. The study identified consistent patterns globally, with China, Saudi Arabia, and Malaysia reporting the highest scores, while Germany and France had the lowest.