Problematic Internet and Smartphone Use as a Public Health Concern
A special issue of International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health (ISSN 1660-4601).
Deadline for manuscript submissions: 31 March 2026 | Viewed by 7958
Special Issue Editor
Interests: problematic technology use; behavioral addiction; gaming disorder; internet addiction; problematic smartphone use; the nexus of video gaming and gambling
Special Issue Information
Dear Colleagues,
Access to the Internet has become essential for everyday activities such as education, work, socialization, and entertainment. The rise of high-speed mobile networks has significantly enhanced Internet accessibility through smartphones. However, this widespread integration of digital technologies into daily life has sparked considerable public health concerns. As usage patterns evolve, reports of problematic Internet and smartphone behaviors have surged, encompassing issues like addictive behaviors, as well as adverse effects on physical and psychosocial well-being. The COVID-19 pandemic has exacerbated these challenges, as many individuals have increasingly relied on digital devices for both professional and personal connections.
This Special Issue seeks to delve into the complex dimensions of problematic Internet and smartphone use, highlighting its implications for individual and societal health. We welcome contributions that investigate psychological, social, and behavioral facets of excessive and addictive digital engagement, along with innovative intervention strategies and policy considerations. By fostering a comprehensive understanding of this pressing issue, we aim to inform public health initiatives and guide future research. We encourage authors to utilize diverse methodologies and perspectives, enriching the discourse around this critical contemporary challenge.
Dr. Wen Li Anthony
Guest Editor
Manuscript Submission Information
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Keywords
- problematic internet use
- problematic smartphone use
- problematic social media use
- internet addiction
- smartphone addiction
- digital well-being
- problematic technology use
- public health
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