Digital Detox and Psychological Well-Being Among College Students of Eastern Odisha

This study confirms that digital detox practices serve as a statistically significant predictor of improved psychological well-being among undergraduate college students within a three-year cohort. The linear regression model establishes that purposeful, self-regulated boundaries on technology use account for 12.6% of the variance in students' overall psychological well-being (F = 50.17, p < .001). Furthermore, the bivariate correlation matrix highlights the challenging nature of modern student habits, revealing that high daily screen time strongly correlates with a lower likelihood of practicing a digital detox (r = -.412) and lower psychological well-being scores (r = -.284). Crucially, the findings show that digital overexposure is not an unavoidable reality of modern student life. Instead, when students actively manage their technology habits through targeted actions—such as turning off non-essential notifications, scheduling screen-free study intervals, or taking intentional social media breaks—they experience significant mental health benefits. These practices directly correspond to better emotional balance, reduced anxiety, and sharper cognitive focus. In an era where higher education is deeply tied to digital learning platforms, developing healthy digital habits is a vital life skill. Cultivating these habits is essential for maintaining psychological well-being, protecting academic focus, and ensuring a balanced undergraduate experience.

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