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Association of smartphone and internet addiction with mental health during the COVID-19 pandemic: A systematic review and meta-analysis

Author

Listed:
  • Phuong Thu Thi Pham
  • Truc Thanh Thai
  • Ha Khanh Mai Huynh
  • Linh Thuy Ngoc Nguyen
  • An Thu Thi Nguyen
  • Mai Huynh Thi Duong
  • Han Hy Thi Bui

Abstract

Background: Excessive use of smartphones and the Internet can lead to addiction and may increase the risk of developing mental disorders, particularly in the context of the COVID-19 outbreak. Objective: This systematic review and meta-analysis synthesized the existing literature reporting the impact of smartphone and Internet addiction on mental health during the COVID-19 pandemic. Methods: A systematic search was performed on two databases, PubMed and EMBASE, following the PRISMA guidelines to identify articles conducted from December 2019 when the COVID-19 pandemic began to emerge. Studies were selected based on pre-defined criteria and assessed for quality before inclusion in the meta-analysis. The main effect estimate gathered from eligible studies was the odds ratio, which was computed using the random-effects model. Results: Our findings demonstrated significant associations between Internet addiction and depression (OR = 4.09, 95% CI [3.28, 5.09]), Internet addiction and anxiety (OR = 3.08, 95% CI [2.08, 4.57]), smartphone addiction and depression (OR = 3.82, 95% CI [3.31, 4.40]), and smartphone addiction and anxiety (OR = 4.81, 95% CI [3.81, 6.07]) during the COVID-19 pandemic. Conclusion: This meta-analysis underscores that Internet and smartphone addiction increases the likelihood of developing mental disorders in the context of the COVID-19 pandemic. During the outbreak of infectious diseases, it is imperative for nations to not only address economic and educational challenges but also prioritize the mental well-being of their citizens.

Suggested Citation

  • Phuong Thu Thi Pham & Truc Thanh Thai & Ha Khanh Mai Huynh & Linh Thuy Ngoc Nguyen & An Thu Thi Nguyen & Mai Huynh Thi Duong & Han Hy Thi Bui, 2025. "Association of smartphone and internet addiction with mental health during the COVID-19 pandemic: A systematic review and meta-analysis," International Journal of Social Psychiatry, , vol. 71(4), pages 642-654, June.
    • Handle: RePEc:sae:socpsy:v:71:y:2025:i:4:p:642-654
    DOI: 10.1177/00207640241311856
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    1. Nurazah Ismail & Ahmad Izzat Tajjudin & Hafiz Jaafar & Nik Ruzyanei Nik Jaafar & Azlin Baharudin & Normala Ibrahim, 2021. "The Relationship between Internet Addiction, Internet Gaming and Anxiety among Medical Students in a Malaysian Public University during COVID-19 Pandemic," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 18(22), pages 1-12, November.
    2. Min-Pei Lin, 2020. "Prevalence of Internet Addiction during the COVID-19 Outbreak and Its Risk Factors among Junior High School Students in Taiwan," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 17(22), pages 1-12, November.
    3. repec:plo:pmed00:0040296 is not listed on IDEAS
    4. Myriam Forster & Christopher J. Rogers & Steven Sussman & Jonathan Watts & Tahsin Rahman & Sheila Yu & Stephanie M. Benjamin, 2021. "Can Adverse Childhood Experiences Heighten Risk for Problematic Internet and Smartphone Use? Findings from a College Sample," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 18(11), pages 1-15, June.
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    1. Patrick K. F. Lin & Philmon K. H. Lim & Yong Jie Yow & Jing Lee & Yui Annabelle Akiyama, 2025. "From pixels to isolation: Exploring the relationship between technological addiction, depression, hikikomori risk factors, and hikikomori tendencies among young adults," International Journal of Social Psychiatry, , vol. 71(8), pages 1598-1609, December.

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