Impact of Loneliness on Nomophobia among University Students: Mediating Role of Online Social Interaction and Moderating Role of Social Support

Abstract

This study explored the relationship between loneliness and nomophobia among university students, investigating the mediating role of online social interaction (OSI) and the moderating role of social support. A sample of 300 participants was surveyed, and the results indicated a significant positive correlation between loneliness and nomophobia (r = .65, p < .001), suggesting that greater loneliness leads to higher levels of nomophobia. OSI was found to mediate this relationship (B = .29, p < .001), while social support moderated it (B = .18, p < .05), buffering the negative impact of loneliness on nomophobia. These findings emphasize that loneliness can intensify nomophobia through increased online social interaction, and that social support plays a key role in mitigating this effect. Based on these results, the recommendations included that interventions aimed at reducing nomophobia should focus on alleviating loneliness and enhancing social support networks among university students.