Exploring the prevalence of problematic smartphone use and problematic social media use amongst students at a South African University

The increasing use of smartphones and social media among university students has raised significant concerns regarding their potential effects on mental health, academic performance, and overall well-being. This study investigates the prevalence of problematic smartphone use (PSU) and problematic social media use (PSMU) among students at Nelson Mandela University in South Africa. To assess the extent of problematic use, the study utilized the Smartphone Addiction Scale – Short Version (SAS-SV) and the Bergen Social Media Addiction Scale (BSMAS). The results indicate that over half of the participants (55 %) exhibit signs of PSU, with a clear link between the daily time spent on smartphones and the intensity of PSU. In addition, 38 % of participants were found to be struggling with PSMU, with individuals who primarily use mobile phones and tablets exhibiting higher levels of problematic use compared to those who use desktop devices. The study also indicates that excessive smartphone use, along with the type of device used for accessing social media, are key contributors to higher problematic use levels. These results underscore the importance of universities taking proactive steps to address the detrimental effects of PSU and PSMU, especially within academic settings. The research suggests the need for additional studies to identify other factors that influence these behaviours and to develop targeted interventions that encourage healthier technology usage among students.