Impact of Screen Time on College Students' Academic Performance and Productivity

Abstract: The rapid advancement of technology has resulted in a significant increase in screen time among students, raising important questions regarding its impact on academic productivity. In this study, "screen time" is defined as the amount of time students spent engaging with electronic devices, while "academic productivity" refers to their effectiveness in completing academic tasks. This research employs a quantitative, descriptive-correlational design to examine the relationship between screen time and academic productivity. Data were collected through a Likert-scale survey administered to 210 undergraduate and graduate students at Sri Balaji University, Pune. The findings reveal that students increasingly rely on digital devices for academic tasks, including essay writing, presentations, research, and studying, highlighting a significant relationship between screen time and productivity. While digital devices enhance access to information and streamline academic tasks, excessive use can hinder efficiency and negatively affect both physical and mental health. Therefore, managing screen time through a balanced approach that integrates offline activities is essential for sustaining academic achievement. Keywords: Academic Productivity, Screen Time, College Students, Digital Devices, Academic Achievement JEL Classification Number: I210