Digital literacy levels of nomophobic individuals in the age of doomscrolling

Abstract

This article comprehensively examines the relationship between digital literacy and anxieties associated with online media use. The study focuses on two phenomena: nomophobia—the distress experienced when separated from mobile devices—and doomscrolling—the compulsive consumption of negative online content. The impact of digital literacy on anxiety and compulsive media use remains unclear. Survey data were collected from 779 undergraduate students across seven regions of Turkey, a society undergoing rapid digitalization. Analyses of validated measures of digital literacy, nomophobia, and doomscrolling indicate that literacy does not automatically function as a protective factor. Findings show that even individuals with high levels of digital competence remain vulnerable to anxiety-inducing engagement. The results also suggest that digital literacy should be considered beyond technical skills. Drawing on the Turkish context, these findings offer a new perspective on the relationship between digital literacy and digital anxieties in international literature, contributing to a deeper understanding of user behavior in globally connected environments. Based on the findings, future research should consider digital literacy not only in terms of technical competence, but also with respect to its emotional and psychosocial dimensions.