Problematic smartphone use and disengagement in first-year college students: A daily diary study of between- and within-person differences

Key Points

• Problematic smartphone use correlates with higher levels of disengagement among first-year students, revealing significant patterns.
• Increased disengagement was observed on days of high smartphone use, emphasizing how device interaction impacts college life.
• This daily diary study tracks both between-person and within-person differences in smartphone habits and engagement.
• Understanding these patterns may help develop targeted strategies to improve student engagement and well-being.