How does problematic smartphone use impair adolescent self-esteem? A moderated mediation analysis

Recent research reveals that problematic smartphone use can impair adolescent self-esteem. However, little is known about the mediating and moderating mechanisms underlying this relationship. The current study investigated (a) the mediating effect of procrastination in the association between problematic smartphone use and adolescent self-esteem, and (b) the moderating effect of upward social comparison in the relationships between problematic smartphone use and adolescent self-esteem. This model was analyzed with 762 Chinese adolescents (mean age = 16.79 years, SD = .91). Participants filled out questionnaires regarding problematic smartphone use, self-esteem, procrastination, and upward social comparison. The results indicated that procrastination mediated the link between problematic smartphone use and adolescent self-esteem. Moderated mediation indicated that the mediated path was stronger for adolescents with high levels of upward social comparison. These findings highlight the importance of identifying the mechanisms that moderate the mediated paths between problematic smartphone use and adolescent self-esteem.

Automated summary

Recent research suggests that problematic smartphone use can affect adolescent self-esteem, with procrastination acting as a mediating factor and upward social comparison playing a moderating role. This emphasizes the significance of identifying mechanisms that moderate the relationship between problematic smartphone use and adolescent self-esteem.