Examining the relationship between smartphone addiction and psychological well-being in young adults

**Summary:** Today, smartphones have evolved far beyond mere communication devices, offering a broad range of features and becoming indispensable in daily life. However, excessive use of these devices has led to social, psychological, and physical issues. Such problematic use is linked to addiction, characterized by tolerance development, uncontrolled usage, and functional impairments. Negative outcomes of smartphone addiction include social isolation, anxiety disorders, low self-esteem, and sleep issues. On the other hand, psychological well-being, which involves living life to its fullest, realizing one's potential, and maintaining emotional and cognitive satisfaction, is thought to protect against the adverse effects of smartphone addiction. This study aims to explore the relationship between smartphone addiction and psychological well-being in young adults aged 18-25. Conducted as a cross-sectional study, data were collected online from 114 participants. The analysis revealed a moderate negative linear relationship between smartphone addiction and psychological well-being among young adults. While sociodemographic variables such as gender, age, marital status, education, and occupation did not show statistically significant relationships with smartphone addiction and psychological well-being, economic status was found to have a significant interaction with these variables. Specifically, individuals with lower incomes exhibited higher levels of smartphone addiction and lower psychological well-being compared to those with middle and higher incomes.