The Mediating Role of Digital Addiction in the Effect of Businesses' Digital Maturity Level on Nomophobia (Fear of Being Without a Mobile Phone)

Abstract

Purpose – The aim of this research is to examine the effect of businesses' digital maturity level on nomophobia (Fear of Being Without a Mobile Phone) and the mediating role of digital addiction in this relationship.
Design/methodology/approach – The research was conducted using a quantitative research method. A total of four hypotheses were established. To test the hypotheses, data was collected by sharing a survey online. Ethical approval was obtained from the Ethics Committee of Ankara Hacı Bayram Veli University, with permission number 335326 dated March 25, 2025. A total of 390 individuals participated in the survey, and it was confirmed that all of them provided valid responses. Normality tests, reliability tests, factor analysis, correlation analysis. regression analysis and mediation analysis were conducted on the obtained data.
Results – It was found that there is a weak positive relationship between the businesses' digital maturity level and nomophobia, a weak positive relationship between the businesses' digital maturity level and digital addiction, and a moderate positive relationship between digital addiction and nomophobia. Additionally, it was determined that digital addiction plays a partial mediating role in the effect of businesses' digital maturity level on nomophobia.
Discussion – This study reveals the complex relationships among businesses' digital maturity level, digital addiction, and mobile phone absence fear. According to the findings, nomophobia poses a significant problem among employees in modern and professional work life, indicating that business managers need to take measures to enhance employee comfort and improve business efficiency.