Changes in smartphone fear and addiction among university students before and during COVID-19

No significant differences were found in nomophobia or smartphone addiction scores between 878 students surveyed before COVID-19 and 258 students during the pandemic.

• Nearly all participants during COVID-19 reported using apps and perceived increased smartphone reliance.
• Increased screen time, smartphone reliance, and social media use were associated with higher nomophobia and smartphone addiction scores.
• COVID-19 does not appear to have exacerbated the prevalence of nomophobia or smartphone addiction.

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