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Baseline Patterns of Problematic Digital Behavior Among Business Students in Southeast Europe

Author

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  • Nikša Alfirević

    (Faculty of Economics, Business and Tourism, University of Split, 21000 Split, Croatia)

  • Željko Mateljak

    (Faculty of Economics, Business and Tourism, University of Split, 21000 Split, Croatia)

  • Slađana Pavlinović Mršić

    (Faculty of Economics, Business and Tourism, University of Split, 21000 Split, Croatia)

  • Mirela Mabić

    (Faculty of Economics, University of Mostar, 88000 Mostar, Bosnia and Herzegovina)

Abstract

Extant literature captures the benefits and risks concerning young adults’ use of digital technologies and platforms, but it does not unilaterally recognize the drivers of problematic digital behavior. Those drivers might differ across dimensions of young adults’ digital lives, their socioeconomic backgrounds, and other demographic determinants. In this study, we analyze the determinants of addictive digital behavior of economics and business students from a Southeast European (SEE) sample of 372 participants. We measure digital addictive behavior regarding Internet use, with a focus on mobile phones, using established psychological scales. Our results show that age is generally associated with lower problematic digital behavior (significant in the full sample), while female students report higher PRIUSS-3 scores than male students. Higher ICT proficiency is associated with lower PRIUSS-3 and MPPUS-10 scores. Daily screen time is associated with higher MPPUS-10 scores, but it does not significantly predict PRIUSS-3 in the multivariable model. The empirical results can be used to frame the higher education policies and targeted interventions in the SEE region.

Suggested Citation

  • Nikša Alfirević & Željko Mateljak & Slađana Pavlinović Mršić & Mirela Mabić, 2026. "Baseline Patterns of Problematic Digital Behavior Among Business Students in Southeast Europe," World, MDPI, vol. 7(3), pages 1-12, March.
    • Handle: RePEc:gam:jworld:v:7:y:2026:i:3:p:44-:d:1890281
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