How Social Support Influences Problematic Smartphone Use: The Role of Ikigai

What is it about?

The abstract discusses the increasing reliance on smartphones for socialization, leading to reduced face-to-face interactions and potential social isolation. Global smartphone usage is rising, with billions of users spending significant daily time on their phones, raising concerns about excessive use and its negative impact on mental well-being. While "problematic smartphone use" resembles addiction patterns, it's not officially classified as an addiction. The introduction highlights the importance of social support and ikigai (life purpose) in mitigating negative smartphone use behaviors. The discussion emphasizes that family support enhances ikigai, helping individuals cope with problematic smartphone use.

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Photo by Brett Jordan on Unsplash

Photo by Brett Jordan on Unsplash

Why is it important?

This research is important because it explores the impact of social support and the concept of ikigai on problematic smartphone use. With smartphones being a central part of modern life, understanding the factors that contribute to their excessive use and the potential negative effects on mental well-being is crucial. The study uniquely investigates the mediating role of ikigai, providing insights into how finding purpose in life can mitigate the adverse effects associated with smartphone overuse. This understanding can inform interventions aimed at reducing problematic smartphone use by enhancing social support systems and promoting life purpose, ultimately contributing to better mental health outcomes. Key Takeaways: 1. Problematic Smartphone Use: The study highlights the similarities between problematic smartphone use and addiction, noting the absence of its official classification as an addiction in DSM-5, and emphasizes the importance of considering the negative impact on mental well-being. 2. Role of Social Support: The research underscores the importance of social support from family and friends in reducing problematic smartphone use, suggesting that strong social relationships can act as a protective factor against technology overuse. 3. Ikigai as a Mediator: The study identifies ikigai, or life's purpose, as a significant mediator between social support and smartphone use, indicating that fostering a sense of purpose can help alleviate the negative behaviors associated with excessive smartphone use.