Evolution of Problematic Mobile Phone Use in the Spanish Population over the Last Decade

Abstract

This study assessed problematic mobile phone use in the Spanish population between 2014 and 2025 using the Mobile Phone Problematic Use Scale (MPPUS) and the Mobile Phone Addiction Craving Scale (MPACS). Two online surveys were conducted in 2018 (n = 1612) and 2024 (n = 2001) across Spain’s 17 autonomous communities, with analyses by gender, age, occupation, education level, and population size. Data were compared with a 2014 baseline study (n = 1126). The prevalence of problematic mobile phone use declined slightly from 5.1% in 2014 to 4.8% in 2018 and 3.2% in 2024. Users reporting difficulties controlling their phone use (problematic and at-risk users) also decreased from 20.5% in 2014 to 18.8% in 2024. However, the severity of problematic use increased over the decade, as reflected by rising MPACS scores among problematic users. Major factors associated with problematic use included hours of daily use, age (especially under 35 years), anxiety symptoms, and videogaming, while gender and alcohol consumption showed minor influence. Despite the slight reduction in prevalence, the growing intensity of problematic use highlights its persistence as a public health concern among young adults, underscoring the need for preventive and therapeutic interventions.