Impact of Smartphone Addiction on Optimism and Academic Performance of University Students

This study examined the impact of smartphone use on students' academic performance and optimism. A self-administered questionnaire recruited 377 students aged 19 to26 as participants. Sample size was calculated using the Raosoft sample size calculator, and standardized tools, including the Smartphone Addiction Scale (SAS), the Life Orientation Test-Revised (LOT-R), and self-reported Grade Point Average (GPA), were used to assess smartphone use, optimism, and academic performance, respectively. A quantitative, cross-sectional design was used. Gender differences were assessed with independent t-tests. Multivariate regression analysis indicated that smartphone use had a substantial negative effect on both optimism and academic performance. Female students reported significantly more smartphone use and lower optimism scores than male students. These findings underscore the need for digital literacy, appropriate smartphone use, and institutional initiatives to improve students' well-being. Potential measures include developing university-level policies, instructional seminars, and intervention programs to mitigate the detrimental effects of excessive smartphone use. To better understand the mechanisms at work, future studies should focus on mediating factors such as self-regulation and mental well-being.