PSYCHOLOGICAL EFFECTS OF EXCESSIVE MEDIA USE ON STUDENTS IN SCHOOLS AND COLLEGES OF PAKISTAN

Abstract

With the progression of digital technology in Pakistan and the resultant increase in interaction with social media, there have been concerns regarding how these interactions may impact psychological and academic performance in students. This study is intended to look into the psychological effect of excessive exposure to media in students that attend school through college by investigating how that exposure can affect emotional health, behaviour, and academic performance over time. The main goal for this study to determine if excessive consumption of media results in experiencing psychological effects such as anxiety and depression, increases in stress, lower levels of self-esteem, sleep disruption, and decreases in academic success within the educational system of Pakistan. To achieve this goal, a quantitative research design is used to gather data via a questionnaire completed by students of designated schools and colleges in various areas of Pakistan. To select the sample, a stratified random sampling technique is employed so that gender, age, and educational level are represented in equal amounts. To analyze the data collected, descriptive and correlational statistics along with regression techniques were applied to assess how excessive media consumption impacts students’ psychological functioning. The research highlights how excessive use of Digital Media has an extremely adverse effect on mental well-being, through high levels of anxiety and emotional instability for heavy users. Additionally, the research shows that heavy media users experience decreased Academic Performance, increased Procrastination, decreased Concentration and Study Habits. Users who reported that their sleep patterns were disrupted by late-night media use, suggesting that lack of sleep is a major factor in developing psychological disorders and failure of Academic Achievement. These findings highlight the urgent need for Public Awareness Programs, Digital Literacy Programs, School Based Counselling Services and Parental Supervision to reduce the harmful psychological impact of Excessive Media Exposure. This research is another addition to the expanding research base for developing countries on Media Psychology, and provides a valuable resource for Educators, Policymakers, and Mental Health Professionals looking to encourage better media hygiene and promote improved academic performance for students in Pakistan.