The ‘virtual emptiness’: The interplay role of boredom and loneliness in youth problematic smartphone use

Problematic smartphone use (PSU) among youths has emerged as a significant public health concern. PSU is defined as a pattern of smartphone use characterized by loss of control, preoccupation, and continued use despite negative consequences, often resembling behavioral addiction in its impact on daily functioning and well-being. A nationwide case-control study explored the prevalence and predictive role of boredom and loneliness in a cohort of Italian university students aged 18-24 years, as assessed by Smartphone Addiction Scale-short version (SAS-SV) for the presence/absence of PSU. Among enrolled 1,660 participants, PSU was identified in 31.7% of the sample. Multivariate regression model (sex weighted) revealed that SAS-SV levels were positively predicted by boredom inattention (p < 0.001) and disengagement (p = 0.007), emotional loneliness (p = 0.002) and general loneliness (p < 0.001). Logistic binomial regression analysis documented that PSU is significantly predicted only by higher levels of emotional loneliness and boredom state. Our findings underline the need for early preventive strategies and tailored therapeutic interventions targeting emotional regulation and coping strategies to manage boredom state, in order to reduce the risk of PSU in youths. Both boredom and emotional loneliness seem to be essential psychopathological targets for promoting youth psychological well-being in the digital era.