EXPLORING SMARTPHONE USE PATTERNS AND THEIR ASSOCIATIONS WITH DEMOGRAPHIC CHARACTERISTICS, SOCIO-PSYCHOLOGICAL WELL-BEING, AND SOCIO-CULTURAL FACTORS AMONG NIGERIAN YOUTH

Abstract

As Africa’s most populous nation and rapidly digitizing economy, Nigeria offers a unique backdrop to investigate the complex interplay between smartphone use patterns, socio-psychological well-being, and socio-cultural factors among its youth population. This study employed a cross-sectional survey research design to explore these intricate relationships comprehensively. The methodological approach involved a quantitative research framework using a tailored measurement scale developed to gather relevant data, encompassing demographic details, smartphone use patterns, socio-psychological well-being indicators, and socio-cultural factors. A total of 1241 participants from different regions of the country were included in the study. The results showed significant variations in smartphone use patterns among Nigerian youth based on age groups, gender, and socioeconomic background. The results revealed significant variations in smartphone use patterns based on demographic characteristics, including age, sex, and socioeconomic background. Furthermore, smartphone use patterns exhibited significant correlations with various aspects of socio-psychological well-being, such as emotional well-being, stress levels, sleep quality, and life satisfaction. Sociocultural factors did not significantly predict smartphone use patterns; family dynamics and peer interactions emerged as significant indirect influencers through psychological well-being.