Screen Time and its Correlation with Attention in College Students: A Correlational Study

Background and Aim: The rapid rise of smartphones and the Internet has made these devices essential for young adults, facilitating communication, entertainment, education, and social connection. However, this growing dependence on screen time has raised concerns about its impact on health, particularly cognitive functions, emotional well-being, and overall mental health. Research indicates that prolonged screen use can impair attention, hinder emotional regulation, and negatively affect academic performance, highlighting the need to address the consequences of excessive smartphone use in modern life. This study aims to examine the relationship between screen time and attention levels in college students. Materials and Methods: This correlational research was conducted between October and November 2024 at Parul University, involving 100 participants aged 18–24 years, representing college-going young adults. Screen time was measured using the Stayfree application, which was downloaded from the Play Store. This app categorized screen time into four key areas: education, entertainment, social networking, and gaming. To assess attention, participants completed the Digit Span Test. Results: The study’s results indicated a significant correlation between excessive screen time and decreased attention levels in college students with P < 0.05 for all components. Conclusion: This study underscores the potential negative effects of excessive screen time on attention, highlighting the importance of managing screen exposure to optimize cognitive functioning among college students.