Analysis of smartphone addiction in university students. Influential factors and correlation with self-esteem

Smartphones are the mobile device most used by the population. Its use has intensified in recent years, leading to addictive behaviours among younger people. The objectives of this paper were to evaluate the degree of smartphone addiction, determine the sociodemographic factors that influence addiction and self-esteem, and establish the correlation between these two variables. The sample was made up of university students from the Faculty of Education Sciences of the University of Granada (n = 385), aged between 18 and 46 (M = 24.08; DT = 5.00). A quantitative methodology was used applying two internationally standardized scales. The study findings confirmed a medium-high degree in smartphone addiction, the influence of usage time on smartphone addiction and age and academic degree as factors influencing self-esteem. On the other hand, the structural equation model showed a negative correlation between smartphone addiction and self-esteem. Finally, the data obtained warns of the misuse that university students are giving to mobile devices and the need to implement measures to prevent addictive behaviour.