Are female students more prone to problematic smartphone use?

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Female students are more likely to exhibit problematic smartphone use, according to a study.

A study involving 3,425 US university students found that 20 per cent reported problematic smartphone use, and among these individuals, 64 per cent were female. This research, conducted by institutions including the University of Chicago and the University of Cambridge, explored the links between smartphone habits and various aspects of student well-being.
Higher Proportion of Problematic Users are Female

The research specifically identified that a majority of students reporting problematic smartphone use were women. Out of the participants who exhibited problematic usage patterns, 64 per cent were found to be female, indicating a gender disparity in this behaviour.
Associations with Mental Health Challenges

Problematic smartphone use was significantly associated with a range of mental health issues in the study. These included lower self-esteem, ADHD, depression, anxiety, and PTSD. While the study does not establish a causal link, these findings align with prior research connecting excessive smartphone use to similar psychological conditions.
Impact on Academic Performance and Social Behaviour

Students with problematic smartphone use were also found to be more likely to achieve lower grade point averages. Interestingly, while these students tended to be less sexually active overall, they reported a higher number of sexual partners. Specifically, 37.4 per cent of sexually-active problematic smartphone users reported having two or more partners, compared to 27.2 per cent of those without problematic use.
Indicators of Problematic Smartphone Use

The study outlined several signs that can indicate problematic smartphone use. These include engaging in excessive usage, experiencing difficulties concentrating due to smartphone interaction, feeling anxious or impatient when separated from one's device, and missing work or academic responsibilities because of smartphone use. Physical consequences such as light-headedness or blurred vision from prolonged use were also noted.

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Are female students more prone to problematic smartphone use?

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