“Owls” are more likely to become addicted to smartphones and social networks

The study showed that “owls” are more likely to show signs of smartphone addiction: they experience anxiety in the absence of a phone, postpone important tasks in order to check notifications and cannot control the use of gadgets. Social networks for such young people turn into a tool that temporarily calms down, but actually increases internal discomfort.

In the UK, almost 40% of students show signs of dependence on social media, with a particularly high risk among girls. Scientists have long linked the late chronotype with sleep problems, depression, and addiction, but the mechanism of this relationship remained unclear until recently.

The study by the University of Portsmouth in collaboration with the University of Surrey involved 407 young people aged 18 to 25 years. Participants were assessed using psychological techniques to understand how sleep and wakefulness patterns are associated with excessive use of technology. The analysis showed that the key factors are loneliness and anxiety.

Participants who are active in the evening often experience social incongruity and isolation. To deal with this, they turn to smartphones and social media. Unfortunately, this method of temporary relief only increases stress, creating a vicious cycle of addiction.

Experts emphasize that the simple advice “to spend less time on the phone” is not enough. It is necessary to work with the emotional state of young people, to help them cope with anxiety and loneliness, especially in the evening hours, when support is limited.

Researchers are calling for the creation of educational programs and support systems for students and young people so that they understand that gadgets do not solve the problem of loneliness, but often exacerbate it. Understanding these mechanisms will allow us to develop more effective strategies for addiction prevention.