Factors and Health Effects of Excessive Smartphone Use: The Impact of Bedtime Delay on Young Adults in Developing Countries

Abstract This study investigates the factors that lead to smartphone addiction in young adults as well as the negative health effects of this addiction. This study used confirmatory factor analysis (CFA) and structural equation modeling (SEM) to analyze the data from 430 online questionnaires of young adults aged between 15 and 55. The findings show that the association between smartphone addiction and health hazards is significantly mediated by bedtime procrastination, which links excessive usage of the device to negative mental and physical effects. The findings show that impulsivity, depression, gaming addiction, cyber-loafing, and other behavioral and psychological characteristics all play a major role in smartphone addiction, which has an adverse impact on both mental and physical health. Among the participants, 80% were single and 61.1% were female; these groups had greater rates of addiction and related health issues. The results have significant implications for psychiatrists, psychologists, parents, and anyone concerned about smartphone addiction and its associated health risks. The study highlights the crucial role of bedtime procrastination as a mediator in this context. This material will be particularly beneficial for therapists specializing in treating smartphone addiction in both children and adults.