Analysis of the Relationship Between Social Networking Site (SNS) Addiction and Nomophobia in Iranian Higher Education Students

Background and Purpose: Smartphones offer easy access to the Internet and a good platform for all kinds of Internet activities. This study analyzed the relationship between social networking site (SNS) addiction and nomophobia among Iranian higher education students. Materials and Methods: This is a cross-sectional study. The participants were selected through a stratified sampling approach: the questionnaire comprised demographic information, Nomophobia Questionnaire, and Bergen Social Media Addiction Scale. The impact of SNS addiction on nomophobia was assessed using structural equation modeling. Then, the relations between SNS addiction and the 4 dimensions of nomophobia were examined using regression coefficients. Results: A total of 418 SNS users (279 females) took part in this work. SNS addiction showed a significant positive correlation with nomophobia and its 4 dimensions. A model with SNS addiction predicting nomophobia showed an adequate fit. The results showed that SNS addiction has a significant positive relationship with all dimensions of nomophobia. Among dimensions of nomophobia, SNS addiction was related to giving up convenience at the highest level, followed by losing connectedness and inability to access information and communicate.  Conclusion: Therefore, SNS addiction explains nomophobia successfully. This study has important implications for health and education providers. Taking into account the efforts to enhance students’ mental health through educational interventions regarding responsible uses of the SNSs and making healthy online habits in policymaking is recommended.