The relationship between problematic mobile phone use and high sensitivity in women and men

Introduction and objective: Mobile phones have become inseparable companions in recent years. It is therefore important to ask which characteristics predispose individuals to problematic mobile phone use. The main aim of the study was to examine the moderating role of gender in the relationship between high sensitivity and problematic mobile phone use. Understanding this relationship may help identify individuals most at risk and support the development of targeted prevention and intervention strategies. Given the growing dependence on digital devices, exploring such psychological factors is both timely and necessary. Materials and methods: The Mobile Phone Problematic Use Scale and the Highly Sensitive Person Scale were used. The study included N = 433 participants (63% women), aged 16–57 years (M = 22.43; SD = 5.64). Results: High global sensitivity and all of its dimensions (ease of excitation, aesthetic sensitivity, low sensory threshold) were associated with problematic mobile phone use. Gender moderated this relationship, but only among men, for whom high sensitivity and a low sensory threshold co-occurred with problematic mobile phone use. Conclusions: High sensitivity is linked to an increased risk of problematic mobile phone use, particularly among men, as phones may both soothe and overstimulate. Therapeutic support should help highly sensitive individuals create safe, technology-free spaces to manage stress without relying on their phones. Conscious and limited phone use is especially important for those already struggling with addiction, as it may prevent further negative consequences and promote healthier coping strategies.