The Mediating Role of Smartphone Addiction in the Relationship between Electronic Blackmail Awareness and Escapism among Nursing Students: A Structural Equation Modeling Approach

Abstract Background Digital threats include smartphone addiction, escapist tendencies, and electronic blackmail are becoming more prevalent among nursing students. Although being aware of electronic blackmail is crucial, it is yet unknown how it affects behavioral results. This study looked at how nursing students' knowledge of electronic blackmail and their desire for escape are mediated by smartphone addiction. Methods Following the STROBE criteria, a descriptive correlational research design was used for this investigation. Given the complexity of the model and the use of a 27 items measurement tool, a convenience sample of 440 student nurses from the faculty of nursing in Tanta University, Egypt, was deemed adequate to satisfy the requirements of Structural Equation Modeling (SEM). Four validated instruments were used in the data collection process: students’ knowledge assessment sheet, students’ knowledge regarding electronic extortion, smartphone addiction scale and escapism social scale. Results results of path modeling shed light on the potential connections between participants' awareness of electronic blackmail, smartphone addiction, and escapism. The relationship between smartphone addiction and awareness of electronic blackmail was not statistically significant (B = 0.019, β = 0.012, SE = 0.072, CR = 0.261, p = 0.794), indicating that levels of smartphone addiction are not significantly influenced by awareness of electronic blackmail. This kind of awareness does not directly influence escapist behavior, as evidenced by the nonsignificant direct path from electronic blackmail awareness to escapism (B = 0.010, β = 0.012, SE = 0.034, CR = 0.285, p = 0.775). On the other hand, escapism and smartphone addiction were strongly and statistically significantly correlated (B = 0.297, β = 0.532, SE = 0.023, CR = 13.154, p < 0.001). Conclusions While knowledge of electronic blackmail has no direct impact on nursing students' escapism, smartphone addiction is a major contributing factor. Interventions aimed at ethical smartphone use and psychosocial support should be incorporated into preventive measures in addition to awareness campaigns. Increasing digital resilience may improve academic and personal well-being by lessening the negative effects of smartphone addiction and escapism.