Digital Competence as Psychological Defense: Impact of Digital Competence on Problematic Mobile Use Among Paraguayan University Students.

ABSTRACT: University students' excessive smartphone use has become a widespread concern due to its association with poor academic performance, mental health issues, and other negative outcomes, this study investigated whether digital competence (digital competence) can function as a psychological buffer against problematic mobile phone use in a Latin American context. A cross-sectional survey of N = 500 Paraguayan undergraduates (aged 18-29, 61% female, from both public and private universities) was conducted. Students answered validated questionnaires on digital competence and problematic smartphone use, along with supplemental items about phone-related anxiety. Results: Higher digital competence was significantly associated with lower problematic use (Pearson r = -0.38, p < 0.001). Structur

SUBMITTER: Troche DC 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC12729974 | biostudies-literature | 2025 Dec

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature