The Relationship between Smartphone Use and Academic Performance among University Students: Evidence from a Multi-National Desk Research

With the global prevalence of smartphones, their impact on university students' academic performance has become a prominent topic in educational research. This study adopts a desk-based research method to systematically review case studies from different countries and regions, assessing the relationship between smartphone use and academic performance among university students. Drawing on multi-national evidence, the study analyses the impact of smartphone usage patterns on students' academic outcomes. The findings indicate a significant negative correlation between frequent social media use, multitasking behaviours, and lower academic performance, while the use of educational applications shows a positive association. Additionally, cross-cultural comparisons reveal notable differences in smartphone usage patterns across varying cultural and educational contexts. Based on these findings, the study recommends that educators and policymakers design sustainable and effective interventions to optimise students' smartphone use and enhance their academic performance.