The effect of new media literacy on problematic mobile phone usage among Russian university students

The aim of this study is to find the relationship between problematic mobile phone use (PMPU) and new media literacy (NML) among Sechenov University, Pyatigorsk State University, and Kuban State University in Russia students where the study is under progress. The study was conducted using a quantitative approach and included 425 undergraduate students. The data was evaluated using partial least squares structural equation modeling (PLS-SEM); the findings revealed a complex relationship between NML and PMPU. The results revealed that whilst functional production-consumption had a negative effect, functional consumption and critical production-consumption had a beneficial effect on social dissonance. It was noted that cognitive effects were affected differently by the NML aspects. Multiple group analysis based on gender showed that NML affects PMPU differently depending on gender. These findings imply that in some situations good media literacy may encourage problematic behavior rather than always resulting in low problematic use. The report underlines that media literacy initiatives should go beyond mere technical knowledge to increase awareness about sensible and balanced technology use. Furthermore covered are recommendations for next studies and constraints of the study. © 2025 Elsevier B.V., All rights reserved.