Virtual Connection and Real Alienation: A Psychological Path Analysis of the Effect of Cell Phone Use Intensity on Loneliness - With Realistic Social Avoidance as a Mediating Variable

Abstract

As the penetration rate of smartphones continues to rise, the psychosocial issues stemming from cell phone dependency are becoming increasingly evident. Existing research has primarily concentrated on the influence of emotional factors, such as social anxiety, in the connection between the intensity of cell phone use and feelings of loneliness. Moreover, the mechanisms at the behavioral level have not been thoroughly examined. This study focused on the behavioral aspect of social avoidance, collecting data from 100 participants through a questionnaire and utilizing three scales to assess the core variables. The findings revealed that cell phone dependence significantly and positively predicted individual loneliness, with social avoidance partially mediating this relationship. The results indicate that cell phone dependency not only directly intensifies feelings of loneliness but also indirectly exacerbates loneliness by fostering social avoidance behaviors, thereby creating a negative cycle of "virtual connection leading to real alienation." Specifically, individuals’ excessive reliance on cell phones may diminish social motivation, reduce opportunities for face-to-face interactions, and weaken their social support systems, ultimately deepening their sense of loneliness.