Journal of Media Literacy Education Pre-Prints

Document Type

Research Article

Abstract

This study examined the correlation between Egyptian university students’ smartphone addiction and digital media literacy. Data were gathered from a sample of 558 students enrolled at Minia University, aged 18-22, using an online questionnaire. Results revealed a significant positive correlation between smartphone overuse and digital media literacy levels. Moreover, it was found that university students obtained higher scores on the smartphone addiction scale, and social networking applications (e.g., WhatsApp, Instagram, and TikTok). Also, it was found that smartphone gaming, learning, and entertainment apps increase the likelihood of smartphone addiction and boost digital media literacy levels. These findings suggest that smartphone addiction may have positive effects on young adults; so, smartphone use should be oriented to benefit mobile users.

Keywords: Media, Digital media literacy, Smartphone addiction, Smartphone applications, Smartphone motivations, University students

Creative Commons License

Creative Commons License
This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 License.

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