Digital Overuse and the Work-Family Interface among Indian Millennials: A Conceptual Framework Grounded in Resource-Based Theories

This paper delves into the intricate dynamics between technology usage and the work?family interface (WFI) as experienced by Indian millennials - a generational cohort uniquely positioned at the intersection of rapid technological adoption and evolving socio-cultural expectations. With the increasing ubiquity of digital tools in both professional and personal spheres, millennials often find themselves constantly connected, which leads to a blurred boundary between work and home life. This constant digital engagement, while enhancing efficiency, can also result in psychological strain, fatigue, and difficulty in disengaging from work-related tasks during personal time. To understand these dynamics, the study draws upon two foundational theoretical perspectives Effort-Recovery Theory (ERT) and Conservation of Resources (COR) Theory. ERT highlights how sustained work effort without adequate recovery time can lead to emotional and cognitive exhaustion, while COR Theory emphasizes the depletion of valued resources (such as time, energy, and attention) when individuals are unable to maintain a balance between conflicting demands. These frameworks provide a robust lens through which the phenomenon of Perceived Digital Overuse (PDO) is examined as a mediating construct. PDO, characterized by the subjective feeling of being overwhelmed by excessive digital engagement, is posited to mediate the relationship between generational traits (such as technological fluency and work centrality) and Work?Family Conflict (WFC) comprising both Work Interfering with Family Conflict (WIFC) and Family Interfering with Work Conflict (FIWC). Moreover, the study incorporates gender as a moderating variable, acknowledging that gender roles continue to influence how individuals navigate work and family domains, especially in culturally rich contexts like India. While both male and female millennials are exposed to similar digital work environments, their coping mechanisms, societal expectations, and familial responsibilities often differ, leading to variations in how they experience and manage WFC. By proposing a conceptual model that integrates these elements, this paper makes a significant contribution to the emerging discourse on digital well-being, generational diversity, and the socio-psychological impact of technology in the workplace. It not only offers a theoretical advancement in understanding the millennial experience in emerging economies but also outlines practical implications for human resource management. The paper concludes with recommendations for empirical validation through future research and suggests targeted managerial strategies aimed at promoting healthier digital habits, reducing work?family friction, and designing inclusive policies tailored to generational and gendered needs.