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EUROPE – A new study presented today, April 6, 2025, at the European Psychiatric Association (EPA) Congress 2025 indicates that gender plays a significant role in problematic smartphone use among young adults. The research found that young females report higher levels of excessive or dependent smartphone use and associated social anxiety compared to other genders.
Researchers investigated the connections between gender, problematic smartphone habits, mental well-being, emotional regulation, and social anxiety. The goal was to gain a deeper understanding of the factors contributing to smartphone addiction. The study involved 400 young adults with an average age of 25.9, comprising 104 men, 293 women, and three individuals identifying with another gender.
Key findings presented at the congress revealed significant differences linked to gender:
- Higher Use: Young females reported spending more time using their smartphones compared to other genders.
- Increased Social Anxiety: Females in the study experienced a greater fear of being judged negatively by others online (Fear of Negative Perception Questionnaire – FNPQ).
- Mediating Factors: Gender was significantly linked to various factors influencing problematic smartphone use, including daily usage time, overall mental well-being (measured by the Mental Health Continuum Scale – MHC), emotional understanding (Assessing Emotions Scale – AES), and the aforementioned fear of negative perception (FNPQ).
Dr. Csibi Sándor, the lead investigator from George Emil Palade University of Medicine, Romania, highlighted the implications: “These results point to serious differences between genders in that females are much more likely to suffer mental ill health at the hands of a smartphone.” He added, “Our study also reveals the influence of social interactivity, low emotional understanding and variations in perceived social support that could be caused by problematic smartphone use. It is important that these areas are further researched so we can work to build our understanding of these behavior differences between genders and what methods need to be put in place to support these individuals.”
Co-author Ms. Neha Pirwani, from Eotvos Lorand University, Hungary, echoed these concerns. “Our findings add to previous studies showing that females can face increased suffering and therefore need additional attention, guidance and help compared with other genders, to identify problematic smartphone use and what this may lead to,” she stated.
The findings come at a time of increasing concern about the mental health impact of digital technology on young people. Professor Geert Dom, President of the EPA, commented, “Nearly 100% of Generation Z own and use a smartphone. There is already evidence from a variety of studies implicating smartphone and social media use being factors in the increase in mental distress, self-injurious behavior and suicidality among this age group. This is an area that must be given further attention so that any detrimental areas can be addressed quickly.”
The research underscores the need for tailored approaches to address problematic smartphone use, recognizing the different experiences and vulnerabilities associated with gender. Further investigation into the underlying causes and effects is deemed crucial.
Disclaimer: This news article is based on information provided in a press release summarizing study [EPA2025-LB-4869] presented at the European Psychiatric Association Congress 2025. The information has been reported as presented in the source material.
