Always Online: University Students’ Perceptions of Screen Time, Mental Well-being, and Academic Focus

  • James Buchanan White
  • , Miloslava Černá
  • , Simon K.S. Cheung

Research output: Chapter in Book/Report/Conference proceedingConference contributionpeer-review

Abstract

This study investigates university students’ patterns of screen use and their perceived impact on focus, mental well-being, and academic performance. Based on a survey of 94 undergraduate students, the findings reveal that most students engage with screens constantly, especially via mobile phones. While screens facilitate academic work, students also report frequent distraction, emotional fatigue, and procrastination, suggesting a complex relationship between screen use and academic outcomes. The study calls for greater digital self-regulation and institutional support to help students develop healthier digital habits.

Original languageEnglish
Title of host publicationTechnology in Education. Smart and Innovative Learning - International Conference on Technology in Education, ICTE 2025, Proceedings
EditorsSimon K. S. Cheung, Xiaojun Liu, Guoai Xu, Lam-For Kwok
Pages245-255
Number of pages11
DOIs
Publication statusPublished - 2026
Event8th International Conference on Technology in Education, ICTE 2025 - Shenzhen, China
Duration: 10 Dec 202512 Dec 2025

Publication series

NameCommunications in Computer and Information Science
Volume2752 CCIS
ISSN (Print)1865-0929
ISSN (Electronic)1865-0937

Conference

Conference8th International Conference on Technology in Education, ICTE 2025
Country/TerritoryChina
CityShenzhen
Period10/12/2512/12/25

Keywords

  • academic performance
  • digital habit
  • learning focus
  • mental wellbeing
  • screen time

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