Impact of Physical Activity Levels on Smartphone Overdependence among Chinese Students: The Mediating Role of Loneliness

Purpose: This study aims to determine the relationship between physical activity levels and smart phone overdependence among Chinese students residing in Korea and to verify whether there is a mediating effect of loneliness. Method: A survey of 321 Chinese students at University H was conducted using the convenient waste method. A total of 302 copies of collected data were used, and 19 copies that were untrue and unreported were eliminated. The collected data were analyzed using SPSS 25.0 and PROCESS v4.1. Results: First, physical activity levels had a negative effect on the relationship between smart phone overdependence (B=-.0163*). Second, physical activity levels had a negative effect on the relationship with loneliness (B=- .0257**). Third, loneliness had a positive effect on the relationship between smart phone overdependence (B=.1064**). Fourth, the mediating effect of loneliness in the relationship between physical activity levels and smart phone overdependence was verified (B=-.0027). Fifth, in the relationship between physical activity levels and smartphone overdependence, the total effect of loneliness (direct effect+indirect effect) had a negative correlation (B=-.0190**). Conclusion: Based on the research results, it will help schools, society, government departments and institutions help students better adapt to study and life abroad. At the same time, it can also help students better adapt to study and life abroad through personal efforts and provide theoretical reference value.