The Price of Screen Time: How Prolonged Digital Exposure is Contributing to Rising Stress and Anxiety Among University Students
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The study examines how screen time impacts university students' psychological state by evaluating their conditions related to stress, anxiety, depression and sleep patterns. Screen time has experienced an increase, mainly because of remote learning implemented during the COVID-19 pandemic, which researchers connect to deteriorating mental health conditions. Screen-related activities lead to fragile sleep quality, reduced physical exercise, and undesirable social relations, which combine to worsen stress and depression symptoms. Student behaviours that include watching complete shows in short periods tend to worsen procrastination and emotional withdrawal while causing social separation that diminishes mental wellness. The analysis indicates that psychological health is negatively impacted by excessive screen time, particularly when individuals surpass the recommended limits. The research indicates that sleep problems act as a connection between excessive screen time and mental health problems. The study demonstrates that healthy mental results need proper screen time regulation and outdoor activities. However, universities must establish programs to ensure both limitations in screen-time exposure and support for physical activity and wellness. Implementing these initiatives demonstrates the potential to enhance students' wellness conditions.
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