When Nomophobia Becomes Problematic: The Moderating Role of Perceived Stress in Problematic Internet Use: Nomofobia dan penggunaan internet bermasalah pada Generasi Z: Menguji peran stres yang dipersepsikan sebagai moderator

Martaria Rizky Rinaldi (Universitas Mercu Buana Yogyakarta)
Jelang Hardika (Fakultas Psikologi, Universitas Mercu Buana Yogyakarta)

Persona: Jurnal Psikologi Indonesia
Vol. 15 No. 1 (2026): Juni

Problematic internet use has become an important psychological issue among Generation Z, particularly because digital connectivity is closely related to communication, emotional regulation, and daily functioning. This study aimed to examine whether perceived stress moderated the association between nomophobia and problematic internet use among Indonesian Generation Z smartphone and internet users. This study used a quantitative, non-experimental, cross-sectional correlational design. Participants were 232 Generation Z individuals aged 18 years and older who had actively used smartphones and the internet during the previous year. Data were collected using the Indonesian adaptations of the Generalized Problematic Internet Use Scale-2, Nomophobia Questionnaire-10, and Perceived Stress Scale-10. Data were analyzed using moderated linear regression with jamovi. The results showed that nomophobia and perceived stress were positively associated with problematic internet use. However, perceived stress did not significantly moderate the association between nomophobia and problematic internet use. These findings indicate that digital-disconnection anxiety and perceived psychological strain are both relevant to problematic internet use, but they appear to function as distinct psychological correlates. The findings imply that prevention and psychoeducation programs should address both digital self-regulation and stress management.