Unveiling Smartphone Dependency: Contrasting Patterns in Athletes and their Non-Athletic Peers

Abstract

This study aims to explore the influence of sports participation on Mobile Phone Dependency, comparing scores between athletes and non-athletes. Additionally, it investigates potential variations between male and females within these categories. The research involved 120 participants aged 18-25, with 60 categorized as athletes and 60 as non-athletes. The sample consisted of an equal distribution of boys (N=60) and girls (N=60) from various colleges in Kerala. Data were collected using the Test of Mobile-phone Dependence (TMD) by Chóliz (2012) on randomly selected subjects. Mean comparison was conducted using the independent t-test. Results reveal a significant difference in all TMD factors, indicating that individuals with sports exposure display lower mobile phone addiction compared to those without sports training. Notably, boys and girls exhibited significant differences in the lack of control factor and total TMD, with male scoring higher than females. These findings underscore the significance of well-structured sports programs in enhancing crucial life attributes and promoting a better quality of life through the positive impact of sports on mental well-being.