Addictive smartphone and internet use duringtheCOVID-19 pandemic and its e𿿿ect on mental health:a systematic review

Abstract

Introduction: Excessive use of the Internet and smartphones can lead to addictivebehaviourswhich in turn increase the risk of having mental health problems, especially duringtheCOVID-19pandemic. Objective: Thissystematic reviewaimed to synthesize current literature about the eৼect of addictiveInternet and smartphone use on mental wellbeing during the COVID-19 pandemic. Methods: A systematic search was conducted in two databases including PubMedandEmbase,according to the PRISMA guideline, to񯿿nd relevant studies that were conducted rom ecember 019, the start of COVID-19 pandemic. Studies were selected based on the prede񯿿ned nclusionexclusion criteria, and quality studies were also assessed. Results: Among 683 articles found, 10 articles met the criteria to be included n he ystematic eview, with a total of 51,121 participants (58.0% female), and the mean age of 24.2. Data evealed hat 90% of studies reported a signi񯿿cant association between Internet addiction nd epression, 0% of studies showed an association between Internet addiction and anxiety, and 0% f studies howed an association between problematic smartphones use and depression. Conclusions: Moststudiesfound a signi񯿿cant, positive association between addictive martphones nd Internet use during the COVID-19 epidemic and mental health problems. During he andemic, long with resolving economic and education issues, the population’s mental health hould e aid ore attention.