Forced Social Isolation leads to Smartphone Addiction and Depression

Authors

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.31305/rrijm.2024.v09.n03.004

Keywords:

Behavior, Chronotype, Depression, Smartphone Addiction, Social Isolation

Abstract

Background: Addiction to smartphone usage is a common problem among adults worldwide. Smartphones are popular devices capable of processing more information than other phones. During COVID-19, a situation of “forced social isolation” was created which increased the use of smartphones. We conducted this study with the hypothesis that the period of social isolation may enhance depression and it may be related to the excessive use of smartphones among the population.

Objective: The purpose of this work is to investigate the impact of social isolation on smartphone addiction and depression.

Materials and methods: The study was carried out on 191 individuals (44.50% male) with a mean age of (23.79 ±3.91) years. The participants completed the questionnaire via online Google forms to access their smartphone use, depression and chronotype.

Result: Smartphone use and depression significantly increase during social isolation (p<0.001). Smartphone addiction was found positively correlated with depression (r = 0.324, p < 0.01) and was maintained during social isolation conditions as well (r = 0.434, p <0.01). There was no direct effect of gender on smartphone addiction during lockdown (β= -0.059, t= -0.887, p= <0.001).

Conclusions: The Smartphone addiction is positively correlated with depression and the social isolation induced the smartphone dependency may lead to depression in the Indian population. This study expanded the literature to include smartphone overuse and depression in the Indian population.

Author Biographies

Saurabh Jaiswal, Ph.D. Research Fellow, Department of Zoology, University of Lucknow, Lucknow-226007, India

Mr. Saurabh Jaiswal received his Master of Science from the University of Lucknow, Lucknow, Uttar Pradesh, India. Currently, Mr. Jaiswal working as a Senior Research Fellow (SRF) and is pursuing PhD in the field of Chronobiology, delving into the intricate workings of biological clocks and their implications on human health and well-being. He is associated with the esteemed University of Lucknow, Lucknow. He was awarded the Senior Research Fellowship (SRF) from Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR), New Delhi, India in 2022. Mr. Jaiswal has published several peer-reviewed international and national publications. Driven by an insatiable curiosity and a passion for scientific inquiry, Mr. Jaiswal has made significant strides in his field, exploring the intersection of technology and clock physiology in humans. His pioneering research endeavours aim not only to deepen our understanding of the human body's internal timekeeping mechanisms but also the impact of technological advancements on human health.

Nishi Soni, Ph.D. Research Fellow, Department of Zoology, University of Lucknow, Lucknow-226007, India

Ms. Nishi Soni received her Master of Science in Zoology from Chhatrapati Shahu Ji Maharaj University, Kanpur, Uttar Pradesh, India. Ms. Soni is currently pursuing her PhD from the Centre for Biological Timekeeping, Department of Zoology, University of Lucknow, Lucknow, Uttar Pradesh, India under the supervision of Prof. Sudhir Kumar, Department of Zoology, University of Lucknow. Ms. Soni is a diligent research scholar immersed in the captivating domain of chronobiology, with a particular focus on understanding the intricate relationship between feeding patterns and the synchronization of daily behaviours in humans. With an unwavering commitment to scientific inquiry, Ms. Soni employs a multidisciplinary approach, integrating insights from biology, physiology, and behavioural science to uncover the underlying mechanisms governing circadian rhythms and feeding behaviour. Through her meticulous research efforts, she seeks to advance our understanding of how lifestyle factors impact human health and performance.

Bhavaya Pratap Sirohi, Ph.D. Research Fellow, Department of Zoology, University of Lucknow, Lucknow-226007, India

Mr. Bhavaya Pratap Sirohi received his Bachelor of Science and Master of Science in Zoology from Chaudhary Charan Singh University, Meerut, Uttar Pradesh, India. Mr. Sirohi is currently pursuing his Ph.D. from Centre for Biological Timekeeping, Department of Zoology, University of Lucknow, Lucknow, Uttar Pradesh, India under the supervision of Prof. Sangeeta Rani, Department of Zoology, University of Lucknow and Dr. Ved Prakash, Department of Pulmonary and critical care medicine, KGMU, Lucknow. His current research interest is to study the biological rhythms of Obstructive Sleep Apnea (OSA) in humans. He got Junior Research Fellowship (JRF) from the Council of Science and Technology (CSIR), India in 2020.

Sudhir Kumar, Professor, Department of Zoology, University of Lucknow, Lucknow-226007, India

Dr. Sudhir Kumar is serving as a Professor in the Department of Zoology at the University of Lucknow, Lucknow, Uttar Pradesh, India. With a robust academic background and extensive research expertise, Prof. Kumar has made significant contributions to the fields of nanotechnology, environmental toxicology, genotoxicity, molecular genetics, and genomics. Throughout his career, Prof. Kumar has demonstrated a keen interest in understanding the impacts of nanotechnology on various biological systems, delving into its potential applications and associated risks. His research efforts have also focused on investigating the adverse effects of environmental toxins on ecosystems and human health, contributing valuable insights to the field of environmental science. Prof. Kumar's dedication to advancing scientific knowledge and addressing pressing environmental concerns exemplifies his commitment to academic excellence and societal well-being. Through his research, teaching, and mentorship, he continues to inspire future generations of scientists to explore the intricate interplay between living organisms and their environment.

Shalie Malik, Professor, Department of Zoology, University of Lucknow, Lucknow-226007, India

Dr. Shalie Malik is a Professor at the Department of Zoology, University of Lucknow, Lucknow, India. She is also the Director of Dr Giri Lal Gupta Institute of Public Health & Public Affairs, University of Lucknow. Her research interest focuses in the areas of chronobiology and endocrinology. She worked as a Visiting Scientist at Alabama State University, USA (2018), and was awarded the Raman Postdoctoral Fellowship, UGC (2016-17). Dr. Malik serves as reviewer of grant applications and several peer-reviewed journals. She is honoured with: 2022 Indian Society of Chronomedicine Fellowship Award (FISCM); 2019-2022 ‘Uddeepan’, 2020-2021 ‘Protsahan’ and 2020 ‘Acclaim’ Scientific Research Prizes, University of Lucknow. She has published more than seventy peer-reviewed international and national publications and contributed chapters in books, which are widely cited. Dr. Malik has received extensive funding from SERB, UGC, DST, CST, and R&D (Govt. of U.P.). She is currently the Vice President of the Indian Society for Chronobiology.

Sangeeta Rani, Professor, Department of Zoology, University of Lucknow, Lucknow-226007, India

Dr. Sangeeta Rani is a distinguished academician and researcher currently serving as the Professor and Head of the Department of Zoology at the University of Lucknow, Lucknow, Uttar Pradesh, India. With a profound passion for understanding the intricacies of biological rhythms and reproductive physiology, Dr. Rani has dedicated her career to unraveling the mysteries of chronobiology, endocrinology, and reproductive biology. Dr. Rani serves as a reviewer of grant applications and several peer-reviewed journals. She is honoured with many International and National awards. Dr. Rani has published more than eighty peer-reviewed international and national publications and contributed chapters in books, which are widely cited. Dr. Rani has received extensive funding from SERB, UGC, DST, and R&D (Govt. of U.P.). As the head of the Department of Zoology, Dr. Rani plays a pivotal role in fostering academic excellence and nurturing young minds. Through her dedication to research, teaching, and mentorship, she continues to inspire the next generation of scientists.

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Published

15-03-2024

How to Cite

Jaiswal, S., Soni, N., Sirohi, B. P., Kumar, S., Malik, S., & Rani, S. (2024). Forced Social Isolation leads to Smartphone Addiction and Depression. RESEARCH REVIEW International Journal of Multidisciplinary, 9(3), 38–47. https://doi.org/10.31305/rrijm.2024.v09.n03.004

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Vol. 9 No. 3 (2024): RESEARCH REVIEW International Journal of Multidisciplinary

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