ROLE OF SMARTPHONE TYPE IN DETERMINING NOMOPHOBIA: A DIFFERENTIAL PERSPECTIVE OF UNIVERSITY STUDENTS

Abstract

The study explored how the type of smartphones, Android versus iPhone affects students' dependence, or Nomophobia. A cross-sectional study surveyed 700 students (aged 18–25) at the University of Gujrat, a group predominantly featuring Android users (520 vs. 180 iPhone users). Using the reliable Nomophobia Questionnaire (alpha = .95), we found a significant difference in phobia levels. Android users reported notably higher Nomophobia scores (M = 92.02) compared to iPhone users (M = 86.14), a difference confirmed by t(698) = 2.92, p = .004. This suggests the device's operating system, perhaps tied to cost or design, plays a key role in psychological dependence. The results highlight an urgent need for targeted digital well-being programs, particularly for the large Android user community on campus.