Illustration: AI-generated for this UFP Insight article. © 2026 United Frontiers Publisher.
Published in the Journal of Advances in Humanities Research (JADHUR)
We all know excessive smartphone use can affect our health but what if the relationship works both ways?
A newly published study in JADHUR examined 721 global research publications to explore the evolving relationship between smartphone addiction and physical activity. The findings challenge several long-held assumptions and reveal important research gaps that could shape future studies and public health interventions.
Hundreds of studies have been published, yet researchers still lack a clear understanding of the complex relationship between smartphone addiction and physical activity.
The evidence suggests that promoting regular physical activity could be more effective than simply encouraging people to reduce their screen time.
Current research cannot yet determine whether smartphone addiction leads to physical inactivity or whether physically inactive individuals are more likely to develop problematic smartphone use.
Most published studies focus on adolescents and university students, leaving many other demographic groups underrepresented
Despite the explosive growth of short-video platforms such as TikTok, Douyin, and Instagram Reels, surprisingly little research has examined how these platforms influence physical activity, digital behaviour, and long-term well-being.
What About Older Adults?
One of the most significant gaps identified in this review is the limited attention given to older and retired adults.
Editorial Perspective: The limited evidence on older adults highlights an opportunity to explore community-based interventions. Group exercise, social engagement, book clubs, volunteering, and lifelong learning may encourage healthier digital habits and reduce prolonged smartphone use. Their effectiveness, however, should be established through future empirical research.
Why It Matters
The study suggests that promoting regular physical activity, healthy sleep, and digital self-regulation may be more effective than focusing on screen-time reduction alone. Future interventions should also recognize that different digital platforms influence behavior in different ways, requiring tailored prevention and intervention strategies
Read the full open-access article:
Kuotian, B., & Syed Ali, S. K. (2026). Smartphone Addiction and Physical Activity: Bibliometric Analysis and Systematic Review. Journal of Advances in Humanities Research, 5(2), 1–20. https://doi.org/10.56868/jadhur.v5i2.348
Open Access: This peer-reviewed article is freely available under the journal’s open-access policy.
Editorial Note: This UFP Insight article summarizes findings from a peer-reviewed research publication. Readers are encouraged to consult the original article for complete methodology, data analysis, results, and study limitations.
Illustration: AI-generated and editorially curated by United Frontiers Publisher for this UFP Insight article.
© 2026 United Frontiers Publisher. The editorial text, layout, and accompanying illustration in this UFP Insight article are protected by copyright. The original research article remains the intellectual work of its authors and should be cited accordingly.