GENDER DIFFERENCES IN SMARTPHONE ADDICTION, PROBLEMATIC SOCIAL MEDIA USE, AND PROBLEMATIC GAME USE

Ayan .; Haleema Sadia Khan; Samreen Ibrar

Ayan . Alumni, Plymouth University, Plymouth, UNITED KINGDOM
Haleema Sadia Khan BS Scholar, Department of Psychology, University of Mianwali, Mianwali, Pakistan
Samreen Ibrar Alumni, Lahore School of Behavioral Sciences, The University of Lahore, Lahore, Punjab, Pakistan

Keywords: Smartphone Addiction, Problematic Social Media Use, Young adults

Abstract

The technology is advancing rapidly, making our lives easier and more convenient than before. However, excessive use of technology can disrupt daily routines and create various life challenges. The objective of current study is to examine the gender differences in variables such as smartphone addiction, problematic social media use, and problematic use of games among young adults aged 18 to 30. The study involved the cohort of 342 participants (172 men & 170 women), with a mean age of 24.23 years and SD of 2.57. The correlational research design was adopted and purposive sampling was employed to select participants. Findings reveal a significant association between smartphone addiction, problematic social media use, and problematic use of games among young adults. Gender differences were observed, with the men scoring significantly higher on the variable of problematic social media use compared to women. Moreover, although men also scored slightly higher on smartphone addiction and problematic use of games, these differences were not statistically significant. The study discusses its limitations in the detail and offers recommendations for future research. Additionally, the implications of the findings for improving the well-being of young adults are thoroughly discussed at the conclusion of the study.