Is Problematic Internet and Smartphone Use Related to Poorer Quality of Life? A Systematic Review of Available Evidence and Assessment Strategies

Abstract

Purpose of Review Previous studies have explored the links between problematic Internet use (PIU) or problematic smartphone use (PSU) and quality of life (QOL). In this systematic review, we (i) describe the instruments used to assess QOL or health-related quality of life (HRQOL) in these studies, (ii) critically examine the content validity of the instruments used, and (iii) examine the relationships between PIU, PSU, QOL, and HRQOL. Recent Findings We identified 17 PIU and 11 PSU studies in a systematic search. Evidence suggests that PIU and PSU negatively correlate with either QOL or HQOL and most of their domains (especially mental and physical health). Multiple instruments were used to assess QOL or HRQOL in these studies. Our analysis showed an important heterogeneity in the domains covered by these instruments. Summary Because of the widespread prevalence of PIU and PSU, which tend to be linked with lower QOL or HRQOL, in particular poor mental and physical health, a more systematic public health campaign is required to target the healthy use of these communication devices. Prevention programs should also target vulnerable individuals, focusing on the most affected domains of QOL and HRQOL (i.e., physical and psychological health). Among the existing instruments, the World Health Organization Quality of Life for adults and the Pediatric Quality of Life Inventory for adolescents (aged 13–18 years) proved to be the most relevant, although new measurement instruments are needed to target domains that are specifically relevant in the context of PIU and PSU (e.g., physical and psychological health domains such as sleep, loneliness, and quality of familial relations).

Correlations between Problematic Mobile Phone Use and Depressiveness and Daytime Sleepiness, as Well as Perceived Social Support in Adolescents

“…In recent decades, the increased use of a mobile phone has become associated with problematic mobile phone use (PMPU), which translates into worse functioning in terms of somatic and mental health [ 2 ], as well as a reduced quality of life level (QOL) and health-related quality of life (HRQOL) [ 3 , 4 , 5 ].…”

Association between prolonged stress caused by COVID-19 pandemic and earthquakes and quality of life, anxiety, depression, psychoactive substances, and problematic alcohol use in adult Croatian population

“…We applied the WHOQoL-BREF ( 34 , 35 ) because there are no new measurement instruments available that target domains of QoL specifically relevant in the context of PSU, including alcohol ( 48 ).…”

Cross-sectional and longitudinal associations of domain-specific physical activity composition with health-related quality of life in childhood and adolescence in Australia

“…However, due to the small effect sizes in our study, these strategies should only form part of a broader suite of approaches designed to improve HRQOL. Practitioners could potentially encourage participation in these domains of PA while also targeting other behaviours that may be linked with HRQOL such as improved sleep [ 69 ] or reduced internet/smartphone use [ 70 ].…”