Exploring the Adverse Effects of Digital Overload on the Mental Health of Youth: An Integrative Review
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Abstract
The growing use of digital technology has changed how young people live, learn, and connect with others. These tools have made communication faster and access to information easier, but their overuse can also lead to what is known as digital overload. This condition often brings feelings of mental fatigue, anxiety, poor concentration, and emotional instability. The present integrative review examines how digital overload affects the mental health of young people by drawing evidence from research in psychology, communication, and public health. Guided by the Health Belief Model, the review explores how beliefs about risk, benefits, and self-control influence young people’s behavior and attitudes toward technology use. The findings show that excessive screen exposure is closely linked with depression, low self-esteem, loneliness, and disturbed sleep. It also reveals that social media contributes to emotional challenges through mechanisms such as social comparison, fear of missing out, and constant exposure to information. In addition, the review highlights the importance of teaching digital literacy, emotional regulation, and mindfulness as ways to protect mental health. The overall findings emphasize the need for balanced, evidence-based approaches that help young people use technology responsibly while maintaining their emotional and psychological well-being.
Keywords: digital overload, social media, mental health, youth, Health Belief Model, psychological well-being
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