Problematic mobile phone use and Shyness: A network perspective on User differences

IF 3.6 2区医学 Q1 PSYCHOLOGY, CLINICAL

Addictive behaviors Pub Date : 2025-09-05 DOI:10.1016/j.addbeh.2025.108481

Hanyu Liang , Hui Zhou , Weilong Xiao , Huaibin Jiang

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引用次数: 0

Abstract

Problematic mobile phone use (PMPU) has become increasingly prevalent among young adults, raising concerns about its psychological underpinnings. While shyness has been linked to PMPU, few studies have explored the symptom-level mechanisms that differentiate problematic from non-problematic users. This study employed psychological network analysis to examine the structure and central symptoms of PMPU in two groups: problematic and non-problematic mobile phone users. A total of 3227 young adults (19.21 ± 3.71 years) completed standardized measures of PMPU and shyness. Results showed that loneliness and time spent on mobile phone use formed the strongest edge in both groups. Withdrawal and mood modification were highly central in the PMPU network. Cross-symptom analysis indicated that social embarrassment and technology-mediated compensation form a self-reinforcing feedback loop in high-risk individuals. Key interactions were identified between mobile phone overuse and reduced offline social competence, inefficiency in real-world interactions, and avoidance of face-to-face communication. These findings suggest that interventions targeting emotional regulation symptoms may be particularly effective in reducing PMPU. The study also highlights the utility of psychological network analysis for identifying differential mechanisms in digital behavior patterns.

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问题手机使用与羞怯：用户差异的网络视角

有问题的手机使用（PMPU）在年轻人中越来越普遍，引起了人们对其心理基础的关注。虽然害羞与PMPU有关，但很少有研究探索区分问题用户和非问题用户的症状层面机制。本研究采用心理网络分析的方法，对问题手机使用者和非问题手机使用者两组PMPU的结构和中心症状进行研究。共有3227名年轻成人（19.21±3.71岁）完成了PMPU和害羞的标准化测量。结果显示，孤独感和花在手机上的时间在两组人中形成了最强的优势。戒断和情绪改变在PMPU网络中处于高度中心位置。交叉症状分析表明，社交尴尬和技术介导的补偿在高危人群中形成了一个自我强化的反馈循环。手机过度使用与线下社交能力下降、现实世界互动效率低下以及回避面对面交流之间存在关键的相互作用。这些发现表明，针对情绪调节症状的干预措施可能对减少PMPU特别有效。该研究还强调了心理网络分析在识别数字行为模式差异机制方面的效用。

本文章由计算机程序翻译，如有差异，请以英文原文为准。

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来源期刊

Addictive behaviors 医学-药物滥用

CiteScore

8.40

自引率

4.50%

发文量

283

审稿时长

46 days

期刊介绍： Addictive Behaviors is an international peer-reviewed journal publishing high quality human research on addictive behaviors and disorders since 1975. The journal accepts submissions of full-length papers and short communications on substance-related addictions such as the abuse of alcohol, drugs and nicotine, and behavioral addictions involving gambling and technology. We primarily publish behavioral and psychosocial research but our articles span the fields of psychology, sociology, psychiatry, epidemiology, social policy, medicine, pharmacology and neuroscience. While theoretical orientations are diverse, the emphasis of the journal is primarily empirical. That is, sound experimental design combined with valid, reliable assessment and evaluation procedures are a requisite for acceptance. However, innovative and empirically oriented case studies that might encourage new lines of inquiry are accepted as well. Studies that clearly contribute to current knowledge of etiology, prevention, social policy or treatment are given priority. Scholarly commentaries on topical issues, systematic reviews, and mini reviews are encouraged. We especially welcome multimedia papers that incorporate video or audio components to better display methodology or findings. Studies can also be submitted to Addictive Behaviors? companion title, the open access journal Addictive Behaviors Reports, which has a particular interest in ''non-traditional'', innovative and empirically-oriented research such as negative/null data papers, replication studies, case reports on novel treatments, and cross-cultural research.