Gender Differences in the Use of Smartphones: A Quantitative Study among Mexican University Students

Abstract

This research characterized and differentiated the usage of smartphones among university students based on their gender. The participants comprised 1,089 undergraduate students from a public university in Mexico. Data were collected through a self-administered questionnaire assessing personal history of smartphone use, current usage in various situations, and indicators of excessive use such as visual or musculoskeletal issues. After quantitative analyses, it was found that women spent more time per day using their smartphones, particularly for messaging and social networking activities. Furthermore, women experienced more visual health issues and musculoskeletal discomfort associated with excessive telephone usage. On the other hand, men reported more frequent usage of smartphones in the bathroom and while driving vehicles compared to women. The findings suggest the need for implementing interventions and promoting awareness campaigns to encourage healthy smartphone habits. By understanding these differences, managers, educators, and parents can devise strategies to prevent the adverse effects of smartphone usage.