The relationship between smartphone use and anxiety disorder in young people: a systematic review

Authors

Abstract

Smartphone use has become nearly universal among young adults aged 19 to 25 and has been associated with “nomophobia,” characterized by problematic and continuous device use. This systematic review, conducted according to PRISMA 2020, analyzed 13 studies (≈4,500 participants) published between 2010 and 2024 in PubMed, SciELO, Cochrane, and BVS databases. The average daily usage ranged from 4 to 7 hours, especially at night, and was linked to poorer sleep quality and increased anxiety symptoms. Mechanisms such as fear of missing out (FOMO), social comparison, and passive app use showed a bidirectional relationship between anxiety and excessive smartphone use. Neurobiological findings indicated alterations in the anterior cingulate cortex and GABA levels, with improvement after behavioral interventions such as abstinence and cognitive-behavioral therapy. Gaps remain regarding diagnostic standardization and the lack of longitudinal studies. It is concluded that dysregulated smartphone use negatively affects young adults’ mental health, requiring integrated preventive and therapeutic approaches.

Published

2026-09-15