Problematic Smartphone Usage in Singaporean University Students: An Analysis of Self-Reported Versus Objectively Measured Smartphone Usage Patterns

Abstract

Introduction: Problematic smartphone usage is the excessive usage of the smartphone, leading to addiction symptoms that impair one’s functional status. Self-administered surveys developed to describe the symptoms and measure the risk of problematic smartphone usage have been associated with depressive symptoms, symptoms of anxiety disorder, and perceived stress. However, self-reported smartphone usage can be unreliable, and previous studies have identified a better association between objectively measured smartphone usage and problematic smartphone usage. Methodology: A self-administered survey was used to investigate the relationships between the risk of problematic smartphone usage (SAS–SV) with depressive symptoms (PHQ–9), anxiety disorder symptoms (GAD–7), and perceived stress (PSS) in Singaporean full-time university students. Self-reported screentime and objectively measured screentime were collected to determine if there is any difference between perceived smartphone usage and objective smartphone usage. Results: There was no statistical difference between self-reported and app-measured screentime in the study population. However, there were significant positive correlations between SAS–SV with PHQ–9, GAD–7, and PSS. In the logistic regression model, PHQ–9 was found to be the sole predictor for variances in SAS–SV score in the study population. Conclusion: This study suggests that problematic smartphone usage may potentially related to depressive symptoms, symptoms of anxiety disorder, and greater perceived stress in university students.