Effects of Mobile Phone Dependency on Study Habits among University Students

Abstract

Purpose: This study explored how mobile phone dependency affects the study habits of undergraduate students at Garissa University in Kenya. It aimed to assess the extent of mobile phone dependency, analyze its connection with study habits, evaluate its effect on concentration during study periods, and examine its relationship with students’ time management abilities.
Methodology: A correlational design was used to explore the links between mobile phone dependency and study habits. The study focused on a population of 2,200 undergraduates, with a sample of 2,000 selected through simple random sampling. Data were gathered via a structured questionnaire featuring multiple-choice questions and five-point Likert-scale items measuring both dependency levels and study behaviors. Analysis involved descriptive statistics such as frequencies and percentages, while Pearson’s correlation coefficient assessed the strength and direction of relationships between variables at a significance level of 0.05.
Findings: Results showed high levels of mobile phone dependency and a significant negative correlation between dependency and effective study habits (r = -0.62, p < 0.05). Students more dependent on their phones reported lower concentration, shorter study durations, inconsistent review routines, and poorer time management. The study concludes that excessive mobile phone use is linked to weaker study practices.
Unique Contribution to Theory, Practice and Policy: These findings add to existing knowledge on digital device use in higher education and offer actionable insights for institutions, educators, counselors, and policymakers to encourage mindful phone usage, enhance students’ self-regulation and time management, and ultimately support better academic engagement and outcomes.