The relationship between social support and smartphone addiction among Chinese college students: the mediating role of loneliness and the moderating role of meaning in life

Social support may reduce the risk of addiction by alleviating loneliness; however, higher levels of meaning in life may amplify, rather than weaken, the negative effect of loneliness. This study reveals the complex interplay between social and existential factors in addiction and suggests that future interventions should focus on enhancing social support.