Internet Addiction, Phubbing, Psychological Variables and Self-Perception of Mathematical Competence in College Students

Abstract

Internet Addiction (IA) and phubbing are prevalent, disruptive behaviours among university students. The aim of this study was to explore the relationship between IA and Phubbing with psychological variables (impulsiveness, self-esteem, and psychological distress), academic performance and self-perception of mathematical competence (SMC), as well as possible gender differences. Results showed (n = 715; Mean Age = 21.7) gender differences in lack of planning, emotional investment and somatisation and IA correlated positively with app addiction, mobile addiction, and psychopathology. A total of 26.3% of IA can be explained by a lack of self-control, time and performance management, mobile phone addiction, anxiety and psychological distress. Finally, 71% of students believe that the use of new technologies has worsened their SMC and this is correlated with impaired communication, obsession with mobile phones, IA (Total Phubbing Scale) and impulsiveness. Our results indicate the importance of taking into account psychological variables that affect the development of IA, phubbing, and SMC in the university population.

The Effect of Future Time Perspective on Internet Dependence Among College Students in Pandemic Time: A Moderated Mediation Analysis

“…57,58 High selfcontrol can serve as a gatekeeper to stop individuals from being addicted to the Internet. 59,60 Moreover, self-control toward Internet may moderate the relation between boredom proneness and Internet dependence. The risk-buffering model points out that favorable individual characteristics mitigate the effects of risk factors on mental health and misbehaviors.…”

“… 57 , 58 High self-control can serve as a gatekeeper to stop individuals from being addicted to the Internet. 59 , 60 …”

Smartphone addiction and phubbing behavior among university students: A moderated mediation model by fear of missing out, social comparison, and loneliness

“…Recent studies have proposed that these phenomena may have some impacts on HE students' academic outcomes, particularly those who engage in smartphone activities in class (e.g., Dontre, 2021). PHU has been found to cause psychological impairment or distress, loneliness, depressive states, insecurity, hopelessness, low self-esteem, somatization, and alexithymia (Fernández-Andújar et al, 2022). Such mental distresses may contribute to poor academic performance, personal relationships, social identity, and family relationships (Yang et al, 2019).…”