Study Reveals Increased Social Anxiety in Young Women Due to Excessive Smartphone Use

Synopsis

A recent study highlights that young females are more vulnerable to social anxiety stemming from excessive smartphone usage compared to their male counterparts. The findings, presented at the European Psychiatric Association Congress 2025, emphasize the need for further research to understand gender-specific impacts and develop support strategies.

Key Takeaways

Young females are at a higher risk for social anxiety.
Gender significantly influences smartphone use.
Fear of negative online judgment is more prevalent among women.
Further research is essential for understanding these issues.
Support strategies must be tailored for different genders.

New Delhi, April 6 (NationPress) A recent study revealed that young females face a greater risk of experiencing social anxiety linked to excessive smartphone use compared to other genders. The findings were shared at the European Psychiatric Association Congress 2025 held in Madrid, Spain. The research underscored the significant impact of gender on the level of problematic smartphone use, indicating that females are more susceptible to social anxiety.

The research indicated a notable correlation between gender, smartphone usage duration, and the anxiety stemming from the fear of negative judgment from peers in online spaces.

Lead researcher Dr. Csibi Sandor from George Emil Palade University of Medicine, Romania stated, "These findings highlight the stark differences in mental health impacts of smartphone usage across genders, with females bearing a heavier burden."

The research also identified factors such as social interaction levels, emotional comprehension, and variations in perceived social support that may stem from excessive smartphone engagement.

"Further exploration in these areas is crucial to enhance our understanding of behavioral differences by gender and to develop appropriate support measures," noted Sandor.

The study involved 400 young adults (average age 25.9), comprising 104 men, 293 women, and three individuals of another gender.

Co-author Neha Pirwani from Eotvos Lorand University, Hungary, emphasized that “our results contribute to existing research indicating that females may experience heightened challenges and thus require more focused attention and resources to identify and address problematic smartphone habits.”

“Our ongoing research into the causes and implications of these issues is vital for addressing challenges within younger populations,” she added.

With nearly 100 percent of Generation Z owning smartphones, there is a growing body of evidence from various studies linking smartphone and social media use to heightened mental distress, self-harm, and suicidal tendencies in this age demographic, as pointed out by Professor Geert Dom, EPA President.

This pressing issue necessitates immediate focus to mitigate potential negative repercussions, Dom concluded.