17107R1m-3 Excessive Smartphone Use Among Malaysian Adolescents: Exploring Outcomes and Strategies in a Digitally Connected World

Abstract

This qualitative research explores the outcomes of excessive smartphone use and the perceived strategies to mitigate its negative impact among Malaysian adolescents. Grounded in concerns over the increasing screen time among youth, this study aimed to understand adolescent’s lived experiences of smartphone overuse. Eight adolescents aged 15 to 16 who reported frequent smartphone use were recruited through purposive sampling and participated in face-to-face semi-structured interviews. Data were analysed using Braun and Clarke’s (2006) six-phase thematic analysis. Five key themes emerged: Smartphones as Emotional Regulators, Academic Disruption and Support, Self-Awareness and Regulation, Social Connectivity vs. Isolation, and Physical and Mental Health Effects. Participants reported both benefits and challenges in their daily use, ranging from emotional relief to disrupted sleep and concentration. Adolescents also identified several strategies to manage overuse, including limiting screen time, turning off notifications, and engaging in offline activities. These findings align with Miller’s (2021) Transportal Home model and underscore the complex role smartphones play in adolescent development. The study contributes to understanding youth perspectives and provides insight for educators, parents, and mental health professionals to design adolescent-informed interventions. Keywords: adolescents, excessive smartphone use, mental health, self-regulation, Malaysia