Peer Pressure, Idleness, and Academic Disinterest as Correlates of Smartphone Addiction among College of Education Students in Iwo, Osun State

Abstract

This study investigated peer pressure, idleness, and academic disinterest as correlates of smartphone addiction among 207 College of Education students in Iwo, Osun State. A descriptive correlational design was adopted, using standardised scales: the Peer Pressure Scale, the Idleness Behaviour Index, the Academic Disinterest Inventory, and the Smartphone Addiction Scale. Data were analysed using Pearson Product-Moment Correlation and Multiple Regression. Results revealed significant positive relationships among the three independent variables and smartphone addiction, with peer pressure (r = .56, p < .01), idleness (r = .49, p < .01), and academic disinterest (r = .45, p < .01). The predictors jointly accounted for 49% of the variance in smartphone addiction (R = .70, R² = .49, F(3,203) = 56.73, p < .05), demonstrating substantial combined influence. In terms of relative contributions, peer pressure (β = .42) was the strongest predictor, followed by idleness (β = .31) and academic disinterest (β = .25). The findings imply that social conformity, behavioural inactivity, and low academic motivation jointly promote smartphone dependency. The study concludes that smartphone addiction among college students is a multifaceted issue requiring integrated interventions that address social influence, purposeful engagement, and academic motivation. It recommends collaborative efforts among counsellors, lecturers, and policymakers to promote responsible smartphone use through behavioural counselling, student engagement initiatives, and academic reorientation programmes.