Journal of Informatics and Vocational Education
Vol 4, No 3 (2021): Journal of Informatics and Vocational Education

Nomophobia, Smartphone Addiction, Depression, and Anxiety as Predictors of Internet Addiction among Nigerian Preservice Mathematics Teachers

Adeneye Olarewaju A. Awofala (UNIVERSITY OF LAGOS)
Awele Regina Esealuka (University of Lagos)



Article Info

Publish Date
27 Apr 2022

Abstract

Smartphones and the internet can be very beneficial to their users but if not used properly, also pose great risks to their users. These devices, if used properly, even help in making teaching and learning of perceived ‘tough’ subjects such as mathematics easier. However, smartphone addiction, nomophobia, and internet addiction are now prevalent among modern-day individuals, most especially the younger generation. This poses a problem for the effective teaching and learning of mathematics in Nigeria. This study investigated nomophobia, smartphone addiction, depression, and anxiety as predictors of internet addiction among Nigerian preservice mathematics teachers. The participants consisted of 300 pre-service mathematics teachers randomly selected from the Department of Science and Technology Education, University of Lagos, Nigeria. Seven research questions were answered in the study using the statistical tools of frequency, percentage, mean, standard deviation, Pearson product-moment correlation coefficient, and multiple regression analysis. The results showed a high prevalence of nomophobia and moderate prevalence of smartphone addiction and internet addiction among preservice mathematics teachers. There was a positive relationship between nomophobia, smartphone addiction, anxiety, depression, and internet addiction, of which all were significant predictors of internet addiction. Based on these findings, it was concluded that universities and parents in Nigeria should reduce the prevalence of nomophobia, smartphone addiction, depression, anxiety, and internet addiction in pre-service mathematics teachers in the country.

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Journal Info

Abbrev

joive

Publisher

Subject

Computer Science & IT Education Other

Description

JOIVE is a peer-reviewed journal providing a forum for presenting the latest original research results and developments in the fields of informatics and applied computer science education. The journal promotes discussion among researchers, students, and practitioners in informatics and practical ...