The Impact of Smartphone Addiction on Cyberloafing: The Moderating Role of Generation Differences

Alper  Ateş; Beyza  Erer

doi:10.18502/ijph.v54i3.18253

Alper Ateş Department of Tourism Guidance, Faculty of Tourism, Selçuk University, Konya, Türkiye
Beyza Erer Department of Human Resources Management, Söke Faculty of Business Administration, Adnan Menderes University, Aydın, Türki-ye

DOI: https://doi.org/10.18502/ijph.v54i3.18253

Keywords: Internet addiction; Smartphone addiction; Cyberloafing; Generations

Abstract

Background: Smartphone addiction, a growing issue affecting Generation X, Y, and Z, is characterized by excessive use of applications, leading to counterproductive behaviors like virtual shifting. This study aimed to investigate the moderating role of generation differences (X and Y) in the effect of smartphone addiction on cyberloafing behaviors.

Methods: Participants included 423 bank employees and volunteers, with 214 from the X generation and 209 from the Y generation, from three provinces in Turkey. Participants were selected through simple random sampling, and data were gathered using Google Forms between February and Mar 2024. The data were analyzed using SPSS 25 and AMOS 25 software.

Results: The analysis indicated that a significant positive correlation between smartphone addiction and cyberloafing behaviors. Furthermore, smartphone addiction was found to have a positive impact on cyberloafing behaviors, with no generational differences in this association.

Conclusion: The study results highlight the importance of smartphone addiction in the workplace, as it leads to an increase in cyberloafing behavior.