Scrolling and Sleeping: Mobile Phone Dependency As a Predictor of Bedtime Procrastination among Young Adults

This study was designed to evaluate the effects of mobile phone dependency on bedtime procrastination. Specifically, it finds out how the effects of mobile phone dependency on the behavior of bedtime procrastination. A quantitative correlational study design was used, with a sample of 356 individuals aged 18-25 years (M=173, F=183) recruited through purposive sampling technique. Standardized and well-established scales including the Bedtime Procrastination Scale developed by Kroese et al. (2014) and the Smartphone Addiction Scale–Short Version (SAS-SV) developed by Kwon et al. (2013) were used to measure the relationship between both variables. The findings suggested that mobile phone dependency was significantly correlated with bedtime procrastination (p < .01), reflecting a weak to moderate relationship between the two variables (r = .283). The findings highlighted the long-term influence of mobile phone dependency on individuals' procrastinating behavior at bedtime. The study suggests that addressing problematic mobile phone dependency, particularly during pre-sleep hours, may serve as a key intervention in reducing bedtime procrastination and promoting healthier sleep practices among young adults.