PROBLEMATIC SMARTPHONE USE AND ITS IMPACT ON MENTAL HEALTH, PHYSICAL WELL-BEING, AND SOCIAL FUNCTIONING: A NARRATIVE REVIEW
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.31435/ijitss.3(51).2026.6242Keywords:
Problematic Smartphone Use, Smartphone Addiction, Mental Health, Adolescents, Social Media, Digital Well-beingAbstract
Introduction: Problematic smartphone use (PSU), often referred to as smartphone addiction, has emerged as a growing public health and social concern in the digital era. The widespread availability of smartphones has transformed communication, education, and access to information; however, excessive and uncontrolled use has been associated with numerous adverse psychological, physical, social, and academic outcomes. The increasing prevalence of PSU, particularly among adolescents and young adults, has attracted significant attention from researchers, healthcare professionals, and policymakers.
Purpose of the Study: The aim of this narrative review is to provide a comprehensive overview of problematic smartphone use, including its epidemiology, risk factors, neurobiological mechanisms, assessment methods, mental and physical health consequences, social and educational impacts, and current prevention and intervention strategies.
Description of the State of Knowledge: Problematic smartphone use is characterized by excessive, compulsive, and difficult-to-control engagement with smartphones, often resulting in impaired daily functioning. Epidemiological studies indicate considerable variation in prevalence rates across populations and regions, with adolescents and young adults representing the most vulnerable groups. Multiple risk factors have been identified, including intensive social media use, gaming, fear of missing out (FOMO), psychological distress, loneliness, poor self-regulation, and excessive screen exposure. Current evidence suggests significant associations between PSU and depression, anxiety, stress, sleep disturbances, reduced quality of life, impaired academic achievement, and social difficulties. Physical health consequences include musculoskeletal complaints, headaches, visual fatigue, sedentary behavior, and sleep-related problems. Recent studies have also highlighted the importance of digital well-being tools, educational programs, family-based approaches, and cognitive-behavioral interventions in promoting healthier smartphone use habits.
Conclusion: Problematic smartphone use represents a complex and multifactorial phenomenon with important implications for mental health, physical well-being, social functioning, and academic performance. Greater awareness, early preventive measures, and evidence-based intervention strategies may help reduce its negative consequences. Future research should focus on longitudinal studies, standardized assessment methods, and the development of effective prevention and treatment approaches.
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Copyright (c) 2026 Mateusz Skowron, Wiktoria Skowron, Monika Łapot, Krzysztof Hober, Dominika Krupnik, Wiktoria Bzdak, Patrycja Szwemińska, Joanna Górak, Wojciech Neumann
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