Figures refer to smartphone user groups at high/potential risk levels of smartphone overdependency. Smartphone dependency is classified as high risk, potential risk, and general user group according to the smartphone overdependency scale by the National Information Society Agency (NIA).
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Smartphone overdependence risk South Korea 2024, by age group
In 2024, about **** percent of smartphone users aged between 10 and 19 years were at risk of being overdependent on their smartphone. A similar trend was observed among respondents in their twenties, with around ** percent facing the same risk.
Staying easily connected
In South Korea, smartphone usage is deeply integrated into daily life, serving as a vital tool for communication, entertainment, and commerce. Mobile messaging stands out as the most utilized function, with popular apps revolving around communication, like messengers and social networking services (SNS). In the realm of entertainment, a significant portion of users engage in mobile gaming. Despite the advantages of these numerous features, survey results highlight that a significant portion of younger generations spend over four hours daily on their smartphones.Ìý
Consumption habits of smartphone users
Social media apps, streaming services, and e-commerce platforms all play a significant role in influencing widespread usage habits, thereby shaping a digital lifestyle where constant connectivity is the norm. The increased usage is particularly evident among Generation Z, as many prefer smartphones over TVs or computers. Additionally, more than ** percent of people in their twenties use their smartphones for online shopping. While these functions are highly useful, they also contribute to a greater risk of overdependence on smartphones among younger generations.Ìý
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NIA. (March 27, 2025). Share of smartphone users with smartphone overdependence in South Korea as of November 2024, by age group [Graph]. In ÌÇÐÄÆƽâ°æ. Retrieved July 26, 2026, from /statistics/971487/south-korea-smartphone-overdependence-risk-by-age/
NIA. "Share of smartphone users with smartphone overdependence in South Korea as of November 2024, by age group." Chart. March 27, 2025. ÌÇÐÄÆƽâ°æ. Accessed July 26, 2026. /statistics/971487/south-korea-smartphone-overdependence-risk-by-age/
NIA. (2025). Share of smartphone users with smartphone overdependence in South Korea as of November 2024, by age group. ÌÇÐÄÆƽâ°æ. ÌÇÐÄÆƽâ°æ Inc.. Accessed: July 26, 2026. /statistics/971487/south-korea-smartphone-overdependence-risk-by-age/
NIA. "Share of Smartphone Users with Smartphone Overdependence in South Korea as of November 2024, by Age Group." ÌÇÐÄÆƽâ°æ, ÌÇÐÄÆƽâ°æ Inc., 27 Mar 2025, /statistics/971487/south-korea-smartphone-overdependence-risk-by-age/
NIA, Share of smartphone users with smartphone overdependence in South Korea as of November 2024, by age group ÌÇÐÄÆƽâ°æ, /statistics/971487/south-korea-smartphone-overdependence-risk-by-age/ (last visited July 26, 2026)
Share of smartphone users with smartphone overdependence in South Korea as of November 2024, by age group [Graph], NIA, March 27, 2025. [Online]. Available: /statistics/971487/south-korea-smartphone-overdependence-risk-by-age/
