Smartphone Addiction among College Students: A Systematic Review of Risk and Protective Factors

Annisa Dian Karina; Nida Hasanati

doi:10.59890/ijeps.v4i1.226

Authors

Annisa Dian Karina University of Muhammadiyah Malang
Nida Hasanati University of Muhammadiyah Malang

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.59890/ijeps.v4i1.226

Keywords:

Smartphone Addiction, Problematic Smartphone Use, College Students, University Students

Abstract

Smartphone addiction refers to a compulsive and hard to control pattern of smartphone use that leads to various psychological and behavioral impacts. This study employs a Systematic Literature Review (SLR) to identify risk and protective factors associated with smartphone addiction among college students. Using predefined inclusion criteria, 18 empirical studies published between 2020–2025 were reviewed from Scopus and Publish or Perish databases. The analysis highlights consistent risk factors such as stress, loneliness, neuroticism, and alexithymia, as well as key protective factors including self-control, mindfulness, physical activity, and social support. These findings emphasize the importance of strengthening psychological and social resources in preventing smartphone addiction among college students.

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