The relationship between internet and smartphone addiction and body mass index: The mediating role of eating behaviors

This research was conducted determine the mediating role of eating habits in the effect of internet and smartphone addiction on body mass index. The study group consisted of 604 individuals aged between 18 and 45 years (Mean(Age) = 21.07, SD = 3.00). Data were collected using Young Internet Addiction Scale, Smartphone Addiction Scale Short Form and Three-Factor Eating Questionnaire. Findings show positive correlations between internet addiction and smartphone addiction with uncontrolled eating, cognitive restraint and emotional eating behavior. Internet and smartphone addiction were determined to positively predict emotional eating behavior, uncontrolled eating behavior and cognitive restraint. The direct effect and total effect of internet addiction on body mass index were insignificant. However results show that both smartphone and internet use by individuals affect body mass index mediated by eating behavior. This is the first study showing that smartphone and internet use both affected body mass index mediated by eating behavior. Research results emphasise the threat of addiction on physical health and suggest that educational and cognitive dietary interventions can contribute to healthy eating habits. Additionally, considering the internet may be used as an emotion regulation strategy, intervention programs may focus on developing emotion regulation skills aiming to develop coping ability for negative emotions to reduce emotional or uncontrolled eating.