Cyberpsychology: Journal of Psychosocial Research on Cyberpspace (Jun 2025)
Comparative network analysis of nomophobia and mental health symptoms among college and middle school students
Abstract
With the rapid advancement of technology, the number of smartphone users has increased dramatically, resulting in a rising prevalence of nomophobia. Previous research has indicated that nomophobia is particularly common among adolescents and young adults and has significant negative impacts on their mental health, including increased anxiety, stress, and depression. However, most existing studies have concentrated on single age group, lacking comparative analysis between adolescents and young adults despite their distinct developmental stages and associated psychological challenges. To address this gap, the present study recruited 693 middle school adolescents and 900 college students to compare the network structures of nomophobia and mental health symptoms between these two groups. Network analysis revealed several similarities across both groups, such as the consistently positive associations between the fear of being unable to access information and symptoms of anxiety, stress, and depression. However, significant differences were also identified. A network comparison test initially revealed five significant edge differences, two of which involved anxiety. To further examine these differences, the anxiety subscale was subdivided according to DSM-5 symptomatology. Subsequent network comparison tests identified seven edges that differed significantly between middle school and college students, including two edges specifically involving the relationship between nomophobia (particularly the fear of losing contact) and various anxiety symptoms. These findings enhance the understanding of the distinct network structures linking nomophobia with mental health symptoms in adolescents and young adults, offering valuable insights for designing age-specific interventions aimed at reducing its detrimental effects on mental health.
