Screenagers: Screen Time and Mental Health in College Students

Abstract

This thesis and research project explore the relationship between screen time and mental distress among college students. With the rapid evolution of technology, personal devices have become deeply integrated into the daily routines of college-age students. While these tools offer educational and social benefits, excessive use, especially on social media platforms, has been associated with adverse psychological outcomes in past literature. This study investigates the extent to which screen time and social media use correlate with symptoms of mental distress, including depression, anxiety, and stress. Participants were recruited from two southern universities and provided self-reported screen time data, including both general device use and time explicitly spent on social media. Data were averaged over a one-week period to reflect typical usage patterns. To assess psychological well-being, participants completed the Depression Anxiety Stress Scale (DASS), a validated instrument for measuring mental distress. Specifically, the questionnaire examined levels of depression, anxiety, and stress. In addition, participants responded to the Social Media Disorder Scale (SMD) for evaluation of behaviors associated with social media addiction. Findings revealed a positive correlation between increased screen time and elevated levels of mental distress. Notably, higher social media addiction levels were associated with more severe depression, anxiety, and stress scores. These results suggest that screen time, particularly when concerning social media, may contribute to mental health challenges among college students. Given the growing dependence on digital platforms, these results emphasize the need for awareness, education, and practical guidelines surrounding responsible technology use. Promoting digital well-being and encouraging mindful screen habits could help combat the psychological risks associated with excessive screen time. As screen use is likely to continue increasing, this study provides a foundation for future research and campus-based mental health initiatives to foster healthier digital behaviors among students