Abstract
OBJECTIVES: In the digital era, excessive reliance on smartphones and internet access has led to emerging psychological concerns, including nomophobia (fear of being without a mobile phone) and netlessphobia (fear of being without internet), which are increasingly linked to anxiety among students. This study aimed to compare the prevalence and psychological impact of these phobias among nursing students in Iran and Türkiye. METHODS: This cross-sectional study was included nursing students; participants completed validated questionnaires assessing nomophobia, netlessphobia and anxiety. Data were collected from June to July 2024 via paper-based and electronic surveys. Statistical analyses included independent t-tests, multiple regression and mediation modeling. RESULTS: A total of 697 nursing students were included (mean age = 21.94 years, 96.4% were single) from in Iran (n = 381) and Türkiye (n = 316). No significant gender differences were found in terms of nomophobia, netlessphobia or anxiety levels in either country. However, Turkish students reported higher netlessphobia (mean = 37.43) than Iranian students, while Iranians showed slightly higher anxiety (mean = 17.32). Both phobias strongly predicted anxiety in both samples (R(2) >0.3, f(2) >0.4). Mediation analysis revealed that 77% of the effect of smartphone overuse on anxiety was indirectly explained by netlessphobia, suggesting anxiety stems more from fear of losing internet access than from phone absence. CONCLUSIONS: This study's findings underscore the need for targeted mental health interventions in nursing education, such as digital wellness programmes, mindfulness training and awareness campaigns. Culturally sensitive strategies to promote healthy tech habits could mitigate anxiety related to these phobias in an increasingly connected world.