Problematic smartphone use has emerged as a growing concern in mental health research, particularly among young adults. Excessive and uncontrolled engagement with smartphones has been linked to adverse psychological outcomes, yet its longitudinal impact on affective and somatic symptoms remains underexplored. This study examined short-term longitudinal effects of problematic smartphone use on anxiety and somatic symptoms, focusing on the mediating role of fear of missing out (FoMO) and the moderating role of gender. A sample of 330 young adults (aged 18–25) completed validated measures of smartphone use, FoMO, anxiety, and somatic symptoms at two time points approximately three months apart. Results indicated that problematic smartphone use predicted increases in both anxiety and somatic symptoms over time. FoMO mediated these associations, suggesting that fears of social exclusion or missing rewarding experiences play a central role. Importantly, this mediating pathway was significant only among women, highlighting a gender-specific mechanism in how digital behaviors affect mental health. These findings extend current understanding of the biopsychosocial impact of smartphone engagement. By identifying FoMO as a key mechanism, the study highlights potential targets for intervention, such as reducing maladaptive social comparison and enhancing emotional regulation. The gender-specific pathway underscores the importance of tailoring treatment approaches to address unique vulnerabilities among young women. In conclusion, problematic smartphone use contributes to anxiety and somatic symptoms through FoMO, with gender differences shaping these pathways. This study offers empirical evidence for mechanisms that can inform prevention and treatment strategies.

Authors:
Haimiti Nayilan, the Chinese University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong
Randolph C. H. Chan, the Chinese University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong

About the Presenter(s)
Ms. Nayilan is currently a PhD student in social work department at the Chinese University of Hong Kong. Her current research interest is to explore how families adapt to rapid transformations of AI and contribute to enhancing well-being of family.

See this presentation on the full schedule – Tuesday Schedule

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