The Impact of Smartphone Addiction on Emotional Intelligence of Emerging Youths in Oyo Town

Abstract

This study investigated the impact of smartphone addiction on the emotional intelligence of emerging youths in Oyo town, Nigeria, employing a descriptive survey design with 240 youths aged 18-25 years selected through multistage sampling. Data collection utilized the Smartphone Addiction Scale (SAS-SV), Trait Emotional Intelligence Questionnaire (TEIQue-SF), and Parental Mediation of Technology Use Scale (PMTUS). Results revealed a significant negative relationship between smartphone addiction and emotional intelligence (r = -0.621, p < 0.001), with 28.3% of participants categorized as high-risk for addiction and 38.8% at moderate risk. Higher smartphone addiction scores were associated with diminished emotional competencies across all domains, with self-control showing the strongest negative correlation (r = -0.697) and ANOVA results demonstrating significant differences in emotional intelligence across addiction risk levels (η² = 0.48 for global EI). Hierarchical regression analysis confirmed parental mediation as a significant moderator of this relationship (β = 0.143, p < 0.01), with active mediation strategies providing stronger protective effects than restrictive approaches. These findings support the rejection of both null hypotheses and highlight the need for educational interventions targeting digital wellness, emotional competence development, and effective parental mediation strategies, contributing to understanding the psychosocial implications of digital technology usage among Nigerian youth and providing a foundation for culturally appropriate intervention programs.