Date of Award
5-2025
Document Type
Honors Thesis
Degree Name
Bachelor of Arts
Department
Psychology
Advisor/Committee Chair
Drew Anderson
Abstract
With each successive generation, time spent on cell phones continues to increase, raising concerns about the long-term effects of digital dependency on both physical and cognitive health. Prior research has linked excessive cellphone use to a range of issues including poor posture, eye strain, disrupted sleep, increased anxiety, reduced attention span, and addiction-like behaviors. These concerns are compounded by sedentary lifestyles, which reduce physical activity and contribute to risks such as cardiovascular disease and obesity. This study surveyed individuals aged 18–30 through an online questionnaire assessing daily cellphone usage, physical activity, and sleep habits. Results revealed that both men and women reported spending over six hours per day on their cell phones. Statistically significant gender differences were found in screen time and physical activity levels, with women reporting higher cellphone use and lower physical activity. However, no significant gender differences emerged in reported sleep duration or quality. These findings may signal early warning signs of more serious long-term consequences, especially for women, who are already at increased risk for cognitive impairments such as dementia. Low physical activity, when paired with high digital engagement could further aggravate risks for long term cognitive impairment. Although this study’s small sample size limits the ability to generalize results, the patterns observed suggest a need for further investigation on a broader scale. As digital dependency deepens across generations, understanding its impact on both mind and body becomes increasingly critical. What does this mean for the next generation as they begin to age? Without intervention, current trends may set the stage for future public health crises rooted in the technologies we rely on today.
Creative Commons License
This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 International License.
Recommended Citation
Supreme, Jessica A., "Trapped in the Screen: How Digital Dependency Shapes Our Bodies and Minds" (2025). Psychology. 52.
https://scholarsarchive.library.albany.edu/honorscollege_psych/52
