Digital Exposure and Mental Health: Investigating the Link between Screen Time, Anxiety, and Depression among University Students.

Background: The use of digital devices has increased dramatically; as a result, physical activity has decreased tremendously, affecting mental health, leading to psychological problems, especially anxiety and depression. The study aimed to investigate the relationship between screen time, anxiety, and depression among university students. Design: A descriptive correlational study design was used from February 2025 to May 2025. Setting: The study was carried out at four faculties (2 practical and 2 theoretical) at Shebin El-kom, Menoufia University, Menoufia Governorate, Egypt. Subjects: A convenience sample of 500 students was selected from the above-mentioned settings. Tools of data collection: Three tools were used: tool 1: A structured interviewing questionnaire, tool 2: The Generalized Anxiety Questionnaire (GAD-7), and tool 3: The Patient Health Questionnaire (PHQ-9). Results: The mean average screen time per day among university students was 8.03 ±4.50, there was a statistically significant relation between anxiety, depression level and more screen time (hours) use per day. Moreover, there was a highly statistically significant relation and positive correlation between anxiety and depression. Conclusion: It was concluded that there was a relationship between screen time, anxiety, and depression among university students. Recommendation: A Psycho-educational stress management program should be given to the university students, helping them to understand their needs and problems, how to overcome these problems, and reduce screen time use per day.