Keywords
mental health
Well Being
Young Adults
Indulgence pattern
Coping mechanism
Screen time
Digital Well being
technology and Psychology
Sleep quality
anxiety
Depression
How to Cite
Abstract
Digital media has become an integral component of young adults’ daily lives, influencing
communication, learning, entertainment, and social interaction. While digital platforms provide
opportunities for connectivity and information access, concerns have emerged regarding the
psychological consequences of excessive and passive engagement. The present study examined
the relationship between digital media consumption patterns and mental health outcomes
among young adults, with particular emphasis on anxiety, depression, stress, sleep quality, and
coping strategies. A cross-sectional quantitative design was employed, and data were collected
from 600 participants aged 18–25 years using a structured digital media usage questionnaire,
the Depression Anxiety Stress Scales (DASS-21), coping measures, and a sleep quality
assessment. Statistical analyses included reliability testing, descriptive statistics, correlation
analysis, multiple regression, analysis of variance, and moderation analysis. The findings
revealed that greater digital engagement was significantly associated with higher levels of
anxiety, depression, and stress, as well as poorer sleep quality. Participants characterized by
passive engagement patterns reported significantly higher anxiety and depression compared to
active users. Adaptive coping was associated with lower psychological distress, whereas
maladaptive coping was associated with poorer mental health outcomes. However, moderation
analyses indicated that coping strategies did not significantly alter the relationship between
digital media consumption and mental health outcomes. The findings suggest that digital media
consumption is associated with poorer psychological well-being among young adults, while
coping strategies exert independent effects rather than moderating effects. These results
contribute to the growing literature on digital well-being and highlight the need for evidence-
based interventions promoting healthier patterns of digital engagement among emerging adults.
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