Domestic Research Trends on smartphones overdependence

Objectives The purpose of this study is to analyze trends in research on smartphone overdependence published in Korea and then suggest directions for future research. Methods For this purpose, we selected 254 papers published in academic journals from 2016 to the end of November 2023 with martphones overdependence as the keywords. For data analysis, the data were classified by publication year, research method, academic field, academic organization, and related variables. Results The results of this study are as follows. First, Research on smartphones overdependence first began in 2016 and increased rapidly from 2020. Second, As for research methods, The research method was predominantly quantitative research. Third, The academic field with the most papers published was social science. The largest number of papers were published in [The Journal of Humanities and Social science(HSS21)], published by the The Journal Of Humanities and Social Sciences 21·Asia Culture Academy of Incorporated Association. Fourth, As for trends by variable related to smartphone overdependence, personal factor variables were the most studied, and sub-variables such as self-esteem, life satisfaction, happiness, depression, and mindset were confirmed. Conclusions Based on these results, The problem of dependence on smartphones was confirmed as a social and environmental phenomenon that occurs in all age groups from infancy to old age. This suggested the development of a smartphone overdependence prevention program and finding policies and plans for controlled use.