Young females at higher social anxiety risk due to excessive smartphone use: Study

IANS April 6, 2025 241 views

A groundbreaking study presented at the European Psychiatric Association Congress has uncovered alarming links between smartphone use and social anxiety among young females. Researchers found that women are more susceptible to psychological distress from digital interactions compared to other genders. The study, involving 400 young adults, highlights the critical need for understanding digital behavior's mental health implications. Experts emphasize the importance of targeted support and guidance for younger generations navigating digital communication challenges.

"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" - Dr. Csibi Sandor
Young females at higher social anxiety risk due to excessive smartphone use: Study
New Delhi, April 6: A team of researchers on Sunday showed that young females are more likely to experience higher social anxiety due to excessive smartphone use than other genders.

Key Points

1

Smartphone use significantly impacts female mental health

2

Gender plays crucial role in digital psychological dependency

3

Young adults most at risk for social anxiety

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Generational smartphone usage reaches near 100%

The study, presented at the 'European Psychiatric Association Congress 2025' in Madrid, Spain, revealed that gender plays a significant role in excessive and problematic (psychological or behavioural dependence)1 smartphone use, with young females more likely to experience higher social anxiety than other genders.

In the study, it was also found that gender was significantly linked to the amount of time spent using smartphones and the fear of being judged negatively by others online.

"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," said lead investigator Dr Csibi Sandor, George Emil Palade University of Medicine, Romania.

The study also revealed 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 behaviour differences between genders and what methods need to be put in place to support these individuals," said Sandor.

The study involved 400 young adults (average age 25.9), 104 men, 293 women and three of another gender.

Study co-author Neha Pirwani from Eotvos Lorand University, Hungary, added that "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.

"Our continued work to further understand the causes and effects of this is key to addressing these issues amongst the younger generation," she mentioned.

"Nearly 100 per cent of Generation Z own and use a smartphone.

"There is already evidence from a variety of cross-sectional, longitudinal and empirical studies implicating smartphone and social media use being factors in the increase in mental distress, self-injurious behaviour and suicidality among this age group," said Professor Geert Dom, EPA President.

This is an area that must be given further attention so that any detrimental areas can be addressed quickly, Dom added.

Reader Comments

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Sarah K.
This makes so much sense. I've noticed my anxiety spikes when I spend too much time scrolling. The comparison game on social media is real 😔 We definitely need more awareness about healthy phone habits.
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Mike T.
Interesting study but I wonder if they controlled for other factors? Correlation doesn't always equal causation. Still, important research that deserves follow-up studies.
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Priya R.
As a college counselor, I see this daily. Young women come in stressed about online interactions way more than guys. We need better digital literacy programs in schools! 👏
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James L.
Respectful criticism: The study sample seems unbalanced (293 women vs 104 men). Would be good to see this replicated with more equal gender representation for stronger conclusions.
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Aisha B.
I deleted Instagram last month and my anxiety improved so much! The pressure to present a perfect life online was exhausting. More girls should try a social media detox 💙
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Tom W.
Not just a female issue though - as a guy I struggle with phone addiction too. Maybe we're just better at hiding the anxiety? Mental health matters for everyone.

We welcome thoughtful discussions from our readers. Please keep comments respectful and on-topic.

Tags:
Smartphone Addiction Social Anxiety Mental Health Gen Z Digital Wellness Gender Psychology
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