Digital Competence as Psychological Defense: Impact of Digital Competence on Problematic Mobile Use Among Paraguayan University Students

University students' excessive smartphone use has become a widespread concern due to its association with poor academic performance, mental health issues, and other negative outcomes, this study investigated whether digital competence (digital competence) can function as a psychological buffer against problematic mobile phone use in a Latin American context. A cross-sectional survey of N = 500 Paraguayan undergraduates (aged 18-29, 61% female, from both public and private universities) was conducted. Students answered validated questionnaires on digital competence and problematic smartphone use, along with supplemental items about phone-related anxiety. Results: Higher digital competence was significantly associated with lower problematic use (Pearson r = -0.38, <i>p</i> < 0.001). Structural equation modeling confirmed that digital competence negatively predicted problematic smartphone use (standardized β = -0.42, <i>p</i> < 0.001), supporting its role as a protective factor. This relationship held for both male and female students. Our findings suggest that fostering college students' digital competence may help inoculate them against unhealthy smartphone habits. Efforts to integrate digital competence training into university curricula and health promotion programs could be a practical strategy to curb smartphone overuse and its adverse effects on student well-being.