DIGITAL DEPENDENCY: A SURVEY ANALYSIS OF MOBILE PHONE USAGE AND ITS INFLUENCE ON ACADEMIC PERFORMANCE AMONG MALES AND FEMALES IN LAHORE, PAKISTAN

Abstract

This quantitative research study aims to explore the correlation between smartphone usage and academic performance among college and university students through the lens of Dependency Theory in Lahore, Pakistan, specifically targeting 488 individuals aged 16 to 26 (both males and females). Data was collected through convenient sampling technique from four prominent educational institutions in Lahore, Pakistan, including Queen Mary Graduate College, Dyal Singh College, University of the Punjab, and Lahore College for Women University. The theoretical framework establishes a foundation for understanding how students' dependency on smartphones for various needs may influence their academic performance. The results indicate smartphone usage during study time effects students' attention and concentration. Additionally, both males and females heavily reliant on smartphones may exhibit higher levels of media dependency.