Smartphone usage of university students and academic performance: an empirical analysis

Although a lot of research has been done on smartphone use among students, the question is whether the smartphone really helps and supports the education system or distracts university students, especially their academic performance. Therefore, this study examined the effects of smartphone use by university students and their academic performance. A total of 300 usable data were analysed using PLS-SEM. The results revealed that relative advantage, smartphone self-efficacy, and interaction competency significantly impact the intention to use a smartphone for academic purposes. Also, interaction competency positively influences smartphone self-efficacy. Results also revealed that smartphone self-efficacy and behavioural intention to use smartphone positively affect students' academic performance. This study provides information to education officials, policymakers, faculty, and university management on smartphone use behaviour among students and its impact on their academic performance. This study also provides ideas to mobile phone manufacturers and app developers in designing better learning tools or applications.