Nexus between Addiction to Mobile Phones and Sense of Loneliness among Students of Social Sciences in Sargodha, Pakistan

Abstract

This study investigates the adverse impact of excessive mobile phone use, focusing on addiction. It explores the correlation between mobile phone addiction and loneliness, particularly among social sciences students, aiming to understand how this disorder may alleviate or intensify feelings of isolation. Amid widespread mobile technology use, this study explores the connection between smartphone addiction and loneliness among social sciences students at Sargodha University, Pakistan. Utilizing a positivist framework, this quantitative study surveyed 170 students via a purposive sampling method, ensuring representation across academic levels. Data gathered through a survey questionnaire were analyzed using the Statistical Package for the Social Sciences (SPSS). Study findings highlight a strong link between smartphone addiction and heightened loneliness among students, emphasizing the impact on emotional well-being. The results of the study prompt a critical examination of the role of technology in fostering or inhibiting social interactions, emphasizing the need for tailored interventions and educational programs to cultivate healthy technology habits and mitigate the adverse effects of smartphone addiction.