Network analysis was utilized to reveal symptom connections, central symptoms, and bridge symptoms between PSU and depression. This study filled this gap by exploring links between symptoms of PSU and depression among 1,849 university students (59.17% female participants, 17-23 years old). However, previous studies have been limited in that they have focused solely on the total score for symptoms of PSU and depression while ignoring the symptomatic heterogeneity of these two concepts. PSU is associated with emotional problems, one of which is depression, as shown by empirical studies. Problematic smartphone use (PSU) has become an issue of great concern in the age of smartphones.
