Introduction In recent years, smartphones have become crucial tools in the daily lives of adolescents, offering opportunities but also raising concerns regarding Problematic Smartphone Use (PSU). While intensive use is often assumed to drive dysfunction, the relationship between actual usage, perceived usage, and PSU remains debated. This study analyzes smartphone usage patterns among Italian high school students to investigate the discrepancy between subjective perception and objective behavior. Methods The research involved 73 students and integrated self-reported data with objective logs collected via Digital Wellbeing (Android) and Screen Time (iOS), monitoring notifications, usage time, and screen unlocks. Results The analysis highlighted significant discrepancies: students consistently underestimated the number of notifications received while overestimating their usage time. Crucially, linear regression analysis revealed that objective screen time and the age of first smartphone acquisition were not significantly associated with SAS-SV scores. Conversely, perceived usage time showed a significant positive association with PSU levels. Discussion The findings suggest that educational and parental interventions should shift from a prohibitionist approach based on time restrictions to a metacognitive approach aimed at improving digital awareness and self-regulation.
Saraceni et al. (Mon,) studied this question.