DIGITAL COMMUNITIES, TECHNOLOGY, AND MENTAL HEALTH: RELATIONSHIP BETWEEN SMARTPHONE ADDICTION AND PROSOCIAL BEHAVIOUR AMONG ADOLESCENTS

Abstract

Smartphones have become an integral part of adolescents' lives, providing opportunities for communication, education, entertainment, and social networking. However, excessive smartphone use has emerged as a growing behavioural concern that may adversely affect adolescents' social and emotional development. The present study aimed to examine the relationship between smartphone addiction and prosocial behaviour among adolescents. A descriptive correlational research design was adopted, and data were collected from 100 adolescents (50 males and 50 females) using a random sampling technique. The Smartphone Addiction Scale and the Altruism Scale were used to assess the study variables. Data were analysed using descriptive statistics, an independent samples t-test, and Pearson's product-moment correlation. The findings revealed that male adolescents had comparatively higher smartphone addiction scores than females. A weak negative relationship (r = –0.037) was found between smartphone addiction and prosocial behaviour, suggesting that increased smartphone use may be associated with slightly lower levels of helping, empathy, sharing, and cooperation. The study highlights the importance of promoting balanced smartphone use to support adolescents' positive social development.