DOES SMARTPHONE ADDICTION AFFECT SOCIAL INTERACTION AMONG FAMILIES IN BAGHDAD CITY?

Abstract

Introduction: Technology has completely transformed communication and the way people interact with each other. The development of smartphones may provide some insight into this. Despite being user-friendly, smartphones can be harmful to a user's health if they are used compulsively. Family members who have easy access to smartphones may develop smartphone addiction (SA), which could harm their social interactions. The objective is to Identify the effects of using smartphones on social interaction among families. And find out the association between smartphone addiction and family interaction. Methods: The study was ascertained the impact of smartphone addiction on social interaction between families in Baghdad. Using a quantitative approach, the study's pertinent data were collected, a non-probability (purposive) sample of 484 smartphone-using family members, whose ages vary from 11 to 55. A questionnaire met the objectives of the study. Information about demographics is covered in Part I. For Part II: Adopted Scale addresses smartphone addiction Part III serves as a gauge for Mattick and Clarke's family members' social interaction anxiety. Results: show that 47.7% of the study sample have a moderate smartphone addiction, and 61% of them have anxiety about social interaction. Then, there is a relationship between smartphone addiction and anxiety about social interaction in (0.00 p-value). Conclusion: most of the family members experienced moderate smartphone addiction and anxiety about social interactions. To avoid potential problems, it is crucial to keep an eye on the social interaction of family members