Alleviating depression only to become problematic mobile phone users: Can face-to-face communication be the antidote?

With the increasing penetration of mobile phones, problematic use of mobile phone (PUMP) deserves attention. In this study, using a path model we examined the relationship between depression and PUMP, with motivations as mediators. Findings suggest that depressed people may rely on mobile phone to alleviate their negative feelings and spend more time on communication activities via mobile phone, which in turn can deteriorate into PUMP. However, face-to-face communication with others played a moderating role, weakening the link between use of mobile phone for communication activities and deterioration to PUMP.