SMARTPHONE ADDICTION, PROBLEMATIC SOCIAL MEDIA USE & MENTAL HEALTH PROBLEMS AMONG YOUNG ADULTS

Smartphones have transformed communication and relationship-building among young adults; but, their misuse not only disrupts daily functioning but contributes to mental health issues. This study examines the mediating role of social media problematic use in relationship between smartphone addiction and depression in young adults, addressing gaps in the existing research. Utilizing a correlational design and purposive sampling, the study surveyed 106 young adults (61 men and 49 women) aged 18 to 25. The findings indicate positive and significant association between smartphone addiction and depression and social media problematic use; however, the relationship between social media problematic use and depression was positive but not significant. Mediation analysis reveals the partial mediating effect of social media problematic use on the relationship amid smartphone addiction & depression, with both direct and total effects being significantly positive, while indirect effect remained insignificant. Gender comparisons show no significant differences, although men scored higher than women smartphone addiction, social media problematic use and depression. Study discusses implications for youth welfare, acknowledges its limitations, and offers recommendations.