Digital minimalism and digital distraction as predictors of academic integrity among postgraduate students in private universities in South-West, Nigeria

The purpose of this study was to investigate the predictive roles of digital minimalism and digital distraction in shaping academic integrity among postgraduate students in private universities in South-West, Nigeria. The study adopted a cross-sectional survey design. The population comprised postgraduate students, from which a sample of 300 participants was drawn. Data were collected using standardized and validated scales, and the responses were gathered through structured questionnaires. The data were analyzed using regression techniques. The results revealed that digital minimalism significantly and positively predicted academic integrity, whereas digital distraction exerted a negative predictive influence. The study concluded that cultivating minimalist digital habits reduced cognitive overload, strengthened ethical judgment, and enhanced academic integrity among postgraduate students. It was recommended that universities embed digital literacy and digital hygiene initiatives within institutional academic integrity frameworks to promote purposeful technology use and minimize distraction.