A detailed study and review on the relationship between cell phone addiction and students' behavioral problems

A mobile phone (cellphone, etc.)[a] is a portable telephone that can make and receive calls over a radio frequency link while the user is moving within a telephone service area, as opposed to a fixed-location phone (landline phone). The radio frequency link establishes a connection to the switching systems of a mobile phone operator, which provides access to the public switched telephone network (PSTN). Modern mobile telephone services use a cellular network architecture and therefore mobile telephones are called cellphones (or "cell phones") in North America. Mobile phones offering only basic capabilities are known as feature phones; mobile phones which offer greatly advanced computing capabilities are referred to as smartphones. Problematic smartphone use is proposed by some researchers to be a form of psychological or behavioral dependence on cell phones, closely related to other forms of digital media overuse such as social media addiction or internet addiction disorder. Other researchers have stated that terminology relating to behavioral addictions in regards to smartphone use can cause additional problems both in research and stigmatization of users, suggesting the term to evolve to problematic smartphone use. Problematic use can include preoccupation with mobile communication, excessive money or time spent on mobile phones, and use of mobile phones in socially or physically inappropriate situations such as driving an automobile. Increased use can also lead to adverse effects on relationships, mental or physical health, and ensues anxiety if separated from a mobile phone or sufficient signal. Preschool children and young adults are at highest risk for problematic smartphone use. Today, mobile phone and internet use, along with all the benefits it has, has negative consequences such as mobile phone addiction, which causes disruption in students' social skills and lifestyle. An indeterminate amount of time you spend on your phone, how often you use it to update, or the number of messages you send and receive may indicate an internet addiction or problem with excessive internet use. Spending too much time on the Internet has caused you to neglect face-to-face interaction, school, entertainment, or other important things in your life. It's time to strike a healthy balance between your life and your cell phone. Today, with the advancement of technology such as mobile phones, the phenomenon of Internet addiction is one of the issues that threaten a healthy lifestyle, especially among adolescents. Research on smartphone use among college students is extensive. Although numerous studies have examined the relationships between mobile phone use and academic achievements, many such studies have yielded mixed findings. Hence, the overarching goal of this meta-analysis was to comprehensively synthesize existing research to investigate the effects of smartphone addiction on learning. The authors included ۴۴ studies (۴۵ effects) in the analysis yielding a sample size of N = ۱۴۷,۹۴۳ college students from ۱۶ countries. The results show that smartphone addiction negatively impacts students' learning and overall academic performance (Q (۴۳) = ۷۱۱.۸۷, p < .۰۰۱, r = - ۰.۱۲). Further, findings suggest that the greater the use of a phone while studying, the greater the negative impact on learning and academic achievement. Additionally, the results suggest that skills and cognitive abilities needed for students’ academic success and learning are negatively impacted. Implications of these findings are discussed, and recommendations for future research are delineated.

Keywords:

Smartphone addiction , Technology addiction , Learning , Mental health , Meta-analysis.