predictors_and_consequences_of__phubbing__among.6

Overview of Phubbing

• Definition of Phubbing: Phenomenon of snubbing someone in favor of a smartphone.

• Context: Increasing occurrence in developing countries, especially India.

Study Background

• Research Objective: To evaluate the predictors and consequences of phubbing among adolescents and youth in India.

• Study Duration: November 15, 2016 – May 15, 2017.

• Participants: 400 randomly selected college students from Muzaffarnagar, Uttar Pradesh.

• Methodology: Data collection via e-questionnaires assessing predictors and consequences of phubbing using mixed methods.

Key Findings

Prevalence of Phubbing

• Frequency of Phubbing: 49.3% of participants reported phubbing behavior.

Predictors of Phubbing

• Internet Addiction: Odds Ratio (OR) 2.26, significant predictor.

• Smartphone Addiction: OR 25.9, most significant predictor.

• Fear of Missing Out (FOMO): OR 18.8, related to high rates of phubbing.

• Lack of Self-Control: p < 0.0001; OR 0.73–1.72 indicating variation in self-control levels.

Consequences of Phubbing

• Significant Health Impact: Negative effects on social health, relationships, self-flourishing; linked to depression and distress.

• Statistical Relationship: Logistic regression indicated strong correlation between predictors and consequences, especially in individuals with depression and distress status.

Implications

• Need for Guidance: Adolescents require support from family, colleges, and government institutions to mitigate smartphone overuse and phubbing behavior.

Introduction

• Rising Smartphone Use: Smartphones are increasingly common in developing countries, leading to concerns over their impact on youth mental health.

• Existing Literature: Limited studies address phubbing in the Indian context, highlighting a gap in understanding this behavior.

Study Methodology

• Ethical Approval: Required institutional approvals obtained from involved colleges.

• Sampling Strategy: Random sampling of students from five colleges, maintaining diversity in academic disciplines.

• Participants’ Age: Included both adolescents (10-19 years) and youth (15-29 years) as per WHO and National Youth Policy definitions.

Nonresponse and Study Validity

• Response Rates: 20% nonresponse attributed mainly to privacy concerns and reluctance to discuss smartphone use.

• Sample Size Justification: Final sample of 400 was determined to be adequate based on estimates of phubbing prevalence.

Analysis Techniques

• Quantitative and Qualitative Analysis: Use of Chi-square tests, effect size calculations, and multinomial logistic regression to evaluate data.

Respondent Characteristics

• Demographic Data: Predominantly young adults (15-29), with diverse academic backgrounds (medical, engineering, arts, etc.).

• Social Media Usage: Whatsapp (33.5%) was a primary platform for phubbing.

Responses on Phubbing Scales

Key Findings by Scale

1. Phubbing Scale - Notable responses:

   • "I feel incomplete without my mobile phone" (49.3%).

2. Smartphone Addiction Scale - Key response:

   • "I am always preoccupied with my mobile phone" (49.2%).

3. Internet Addiction Scale - Highlight:

   • "People say I spend too much time on the internet" (49.1%).

4. Self-Control Scale - Critical insight:

   • "Unable to resist smartphone temptation" (46.9%).

5. FOMO Scale - Major concern:

   • "Feel anxious without my smartphone" (49.2%).

Social Well-Being and Relationships

• Impact on Relationships: Negative consequences reported on social health; 49.2% noted deteriorating family relations.

• Self-Flourishing: 49.1% felt they could flourish despite phubbing, though it remains a concern for many.

Conclusion and Recommendations

• Research Gap: Highlights the need for further studies on phubbing's impacts, particularly in developing regions.

• Public Health Recommendations: Emphasizes the necessity for educational programs on responsible smartphone use among adolescents.