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Abstract

The main intent of this dissertation is to find the interconnection between the use of digital technology and its effect on mental state and cognitive abilities in the adult population. This research indicates the negative impact of the technology use on humans’ brains and mental health. With technological enhancement, our average screen time is growing widely from year to year. Especially now, during the pandemic the hours we spend online on working, studying, and leisure has dramatically increased. This, however, is affecting not only the way we feel but also the way we interact with the outside world. A cross-sectional online survey was conducted including 75 participants aged 19 to 56 years with different socio-economic status (students, full-time workers, entrepreneurs, retirees). The survey consisted of 15 questions asking about respondents daily habits with the strong accent on the use of technology and its impact on their psychological well-being and cognition. Overall, the findings indicate that excessive use of technology (such as mobile phones and laptops/PCs) has an increased negative effect on anxiety and overall mental state in the young adults population. However, lower relation has been found between use of technology and increased depressive thoughts and decreased cognition between adults over 40 years.

Course: Digital Media - BSc (Hons) - C1515

Date Deposited: 2022-02-11

URI/permalink: https://library.port.ac.uk/dissert/dis13784.html