Digital dependency: Exploring the health consequences of excessive screen time among Indian youth

Digital technology use has surged, especially among younger generations, raising concerns about its impact on health.This study examined the effects of increased screen time on the health of college students in Gujarat, India.A random sample of 452 students (ages 17-23) from urban and rural backgrounds participated in a Google Forms survey covering socio-demographic data, screen time, physical health, mental health (depression, anxiety, mood swings), and sleep quality.Among participants, 98.89% used mobile phones, 78.09% watched television, 73.67% used laptops, and 54.20% used tablets.Notably, 10.42% spent over 8 hours daily on mobile devices.Many primarily used screens for academic work and social media.While 52.22% had a normal body weight, 34.07%were underweight, and 13.71% were overweight, possibly due to screen use during meals.Common physical issues included body aches, eye strain, and sleep disturbances, while mental health concerns involved insomnia, anxiety, and depression.The Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index (PSQI) revealed that 44.46% had poor sleep quality (PSQI ≥5), with an average score of 4.53 ± 2.32.Overall, excessive screen time negatively affected both physical and mental health.Promoting balanced screen use and increased physical activity is essential for improving student well-being.