Abstract

PENUELA EPALZA, Martha et al. Influence of smartphones on interpaersonal relationships of university students in the city of Barranquilla (Colombia). Salud, Barranquilla [online]. 2014, vol.30, n.3, pp.335-346. ISSN 0120-5552.

Objective: To analyze the relation between the use of smartphones and interpersonal relationships among students at a private university located in city Barranquilla. Materials and methods: A cross sectional study was conducted among 400 randomly selected students. Data was collected regarding frequency of checking income mails and calls, conflict and impact on relationships with parents, partners and peers due to the use of smartphone. Both univariate and bivariate analysis was performed. Association of conflict with other variables regarding smartphone usage pattern and socio-demographic characteristics of users was estimated through odds ratios (OR). Statistical significance was tested by the Chi-square. Results: 80 % of the population subscribed to smartphone services, 53 % checked their smartphones every 15 minutes or less and 51 % reported an excessive use. It was observed that women have more conflicts and negative impacts on their relationships due to the excessive use of their smartphones; likewise they tend to feel more uncomfortable when other people use mobiles around, mainly because smart phone use drives attention away from conversation Conclusions: In general, students find smartphones to influence their relationships with others positively, despite some conflicts that may emerge. Conflicts with others showed to be sex related. Although women's use smartphones is more excessive than those of men, they become displeased when are others who use their mobile phones at their presence.

Keywords : smartphone; interpersonal relationships; cell phone; conflicts; connectivity; mobile phone behavior.

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