๐Ÿง‘๐Ÿผโ€๐Ÿ’ป Research - May 27, 2025

Smartphone dependency, digital amnesia, and somatic symptoms among nursing students: the challenge of artificial intelligence.

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โšก Quick Summary

This study explored the relationship between smartphone dependency, digital amnesia, and somatic symptoms among nursing students in Egypt, revealing significant correlations with the use of artificial intelligence (AI). The findings indicate a concerning prevalence of these issues, highlighting the need for targeted educational interventions.

๐Ÿ” Key Details

  • ๐Ÿ“Š Sample Size: 495 nursing students from three public and three governmental universities in Egypt
  • ๐Ÿงฉ Instruments Used: AI usage questionnaire, digital amnesia scale, test of mobile phone dependence (TMD), somatic symptom scale-88 (SSS-88)
  • ๐Ÿ“… Study Duration: July 1st to July 31st

๐Ÿ”‘ Key Takeaways

  • ๐Ÿ“ฑ Smartphone Dependency: Low to moderate levels observed among nursing students.
  • ๐Ÿ’ญ Digital Amnesia: Moderate prevalence noted, indicating forgetfulness related to information stored on smartphones.
  • ๐Ÿ˜ท Somatic Symptoms: Very high levels reported, suggesting physical manifestations of stress or anxiety.
  • ๐Ÿ”— AI Usage: Statistically significant relationship with smartphone dependency (P < 0.000).
  • ๐Ÿ“‰ Correlations: Significant links between smartphone dependency, digital amnesia, and somatic symptoms (P < 0.001).
  • ๐Ÿ‘ฉโ€๐Ÿซ Recommendations: Emphasis on integrating digital well-being into nursing curricula and promoting digital detox practices.

๐Ÿ“š Background

As we navigate the digital era, the integration of artificial intelligence into educational settings presents both opportunities and challenges. Nursing students, who are often heavy smartphone users, may face unique issues such as digital amnesiaโ€”the tendency to forget information that can easily be found on their devicesโ€”and various somatic symptoms that can arise from excessive smartphone use. Understanding these dynamics is crucial for fostering a healthier learning environment.

๐Ÿ—’๏ธ Study

Conducted in July 2023, this cross-sectional study aimed to assess the interplay between smartphone dependency, digital amnesia, and somatic symptoms among nursing students in Egypt. A total of 495 students participated, providing insights through various validated instruments designed to measure their experiences with AI, smartphone use, and related health symptoms.

๐Ÿ“ˆ Results

The study revealed a concerning landscape: nursing students exhibited low to moderate smartphone dependency, moderate digital amnesia, and alarmingly, a very high level of somatic symptoms. The statistical analysis confirmed significant relationships between AI usage and smartphone dependency, as well as between smartphone dependency and both digital amnesia and somatic symptoms, with P-values indicating strong correlations (P < 0.001, P < 0.000).

๐ŸŒ Impact and Implications

The implications of these findings are profound. As nursing educators and institutions strive to prepare students for the complexities of modern healthcare, it is essential to address the challenges posed by smartphone dependency and digital amnesia. By implementing educational interventions that promote digital well-being and encourage mindful smartphone use, we can help mitigate the risks of dependency and its associated health issues, ultimately enhancing the learning experience and well-being of nursing students.

๐Ÿ”ฎ Conclusion

This study underscores the critical need for awareness and action regarding the impact of smartphone dependency and digital amnesia among nursing students. By recognizing the significant relationships identified in this research, stakeholders can take proactive steps to integrate digital well-being into nursing education, fostering a healthier and more effective learning environment. The future of nursing education must embrace these challenges to prepare students for the demands of their profession.

๐Ÿ’ฌ Your comments

What are your thoughts on the impact of smartphone dependency in educational settings? We would love to hear your insights! ๐Ÿ’ฌ Share your comments below or connect with us on social media:

Smartphone dependency, digital amnesia, and somatic symptoms among nursing students: the challenge of artificial intelligence.

Abstract

BACKGROUND: As we advance into the digital era, the latest challenge in smartphone technology is integrating artificial intelligence applications, which have recently been incorporated into learning environments. However, the intensified engagement with these devices has raised concerns about potential issues among nursing students. This study aimed to assess the relationship between Smartphone Dependency, Digital Amnesia, and Somatic Symptoms among nursing students who face Artificial Intelligence challenges.
METHOD: A cross-sectional study was conducted in three public and three governmental universities in Egypt from July 1st to July 31st. A convenient sample of 495 nursing students participated in the study. Four instruments were used for data collection: The artificial intelligence usage questionnaire, the digital amnesia scale, the test of mobile phone dependence (TMD), and the somatic symptom scale-88 (SSS-88).
RESULTS: The findings indicated a prevalence of low to moderate smartphone dependency, moderate digital amnesia, and a very high level of somatic symptoms among nursing students. Besides, AI usage and smartphone dependency had a statistically significant relation. As well, there was a statistically significant relation between smartphone dependency and both digital amnesia and somatic symptoms, P-valueโ€‰>โ€‰0.001.
CONCLUSION: The findings revealed that the role of AI presented challenges among nursing students and indicated a statistically significant relation between AI usage and smartphone dependency among nursing students (Pโ€‰<โ€‰0.000). Additionally, there was a statistically significant relation between smartphone dependency and both digital amnesia and somatic symptoms (Pโ€‰<โ€‰0.001, Pโ€‰<โ€‰0.000), respectively. RECOMMENDATIONS: The findings of this study highlight the crucial role of key stakeholders, particularly nursing educators, in implementing targeted educational interventions. These include integrating digital well-being into nursing curricula and promoting practices such as digital breaks/digital detox periods in the classroom. Such strategies aim to encourage mindful smartphone use and help prevent comorbidities like dependency, digital amnesia, and somatic symptoms. CLINICAL TRIAL NUMBER: Not applicable.

Author: [‘Ali LAEH’, ‘Ali MIEB’, ‘Ali SMA’, ‘Nashwan AJ’]

Journal: BMC Nurs

Citation: Ali LAEH, et al. Smartphone dependency, digital amnesia, and somatic symptoms among nursing students: the challenge of artificial intelligence. Smartphone dependency, digital amnesia, and somatic symptoms among nursing students: the challenge of artificial intelligence. 2025; 24:599. doi: 10.1186/s12912-025-03228-0

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