Smartphone and Social Network Usage is Influenced by Physical Activity and Self-Esteem: A Cross Sectional Study

Smartphone Addiction (SA) and Social Network Addiction (SNA) can have a variety of negative consequences so the identification of variables that could modulate these digital addictions may be key to prevent them. The aim of this study was to analyse the associations between physical activity (PA), self-esteem, SA and SNA in Spanish-speaking young adults. A correlational and comparative study was conducted with 372 Spanish-speaking participants aged 18-40 years. Participants completed a survey that involved the Smartphone Addiction Scale, the Social Network Addiction Scale, the International Physical Activity Questionnaire (IPAQ) and the Rosenberg Self-Esteem Scale (RSES). Results showed a negative association between SA and self-esteem, as well as between SNA and self-esteem. In addition, a negative association was found between SA and PA, and between SNA and PA. Furthermore, PA (β = 0.212, <i>p</i> < .001) and self-esteem (β = -0.255, <i>p</i> < .001) explained 11.6% of the SA; meanwhile PA (β = -0.180, <i>p</i> < .001) and self-esteem (-0.299, <i>p</i> < .001) explained 12.8% of SNA. Those who performed more PA and those who had higher self-esteem had lower levels of SA and SNA. Women had higher levels of SA and SNA and lower levels of self-esteem. In conclusion, PA and self-esteem are significantly and inversely related to SA and SNA. Thus, the most active participants and those with the highest self-esteem had lower levels of SA and SNA.