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The Association Between Smartphone Use and Mental Health: A Meta-Analysis of Cross-Sectional Studies
Abstract
Smartphone use has become ubiquitous in contemporary society, but concerns have been raised about its potential impact on mental health. This meta-analysis of cross-sectional studies examines the association between smartphone use and various indicators of mental health, including depression, anxiety, and psychological well-being. Drawing from a comprehensive review of the literature, the meta-analysis synthesizes effect sizes from cross-sectional studies that assess the strength and direction of the relationship between smartphone use patterns (e.g., duration, frequency, content consumption) and mental health outcomes. Additionally, it explores potential moderators of this association, such as age, gender, and cultural differences, to better understand the nuanced relationship between smartphone use and mental health.
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