Investigation of the Effects of Internet, Social Media Addiction, Musculoskeletal System and Sleep Quality of University Students

Abstract

Introduction: Prolonged internet and social media use among university students is increasingly associated with adverse health outcomes, particularly in relation to musculoskeletal health and sleep quality. Extended screen exposure often leads to sustained non-ergonomic postures and physical inactivity, contributing to discomfort and pain in the neck, back, and upper extremities. Additionally, nighttime screen usage disrupts circadian rhythms by suppressing melatonin secretion, thereby delaying sleep onset and reducing overall sleep quality. This study aims to investigate the impact of internet and social media usage on musculoskeletal disorders and sleep quality in university students. Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted involving 386 undergraduate students from nine academic programs at Dicle University. Data were collected through validated self-report instruments: the Young’s Internet Addiction Test (IAT) for assessing internet addiction, the Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index (PSQI) for evaluating sleep quality, and the Cornell Musculoskeletal Discomfort Questionnaire (CMDQ) for identifying musculoskeletal symptoms. Sociodemographic characteristics were also recorded. Results: Results indicated that 69.4% of participants reported daily smartphone use ranging from 3 to 5 hours. A significant proportion of students experienced sleep-related problems (58.3%), eye strain (53.1%), and neck pain (46.6%). The mean IAT score indicated a moderate level of internet addiction (50.19/95), which was inversely correlated with sleep quality. CMDQ findings highlighted that discomfort was most prevalent in the right upper extremity, followed by the neck and back regions. These outcomes were strongly associated with prolonged screen exposure, poor posture, inadequate ergonomic conditions, and low levels of physical activity. Conclusion: The findings underscore the multifaceted negative impact of excessive digital media use on both physical and sleep health in university students. Preventive strategies such as promoting ergonomic awareness, encouraging routine physical activity, and implementing screen-time management interventions are essential to mitigate these health risks and enhance student well-being.

Keywords

• Internet addiction
• musculoskeletal disorders
• sleep
• digital health

Ethical Statement

The study was approved by the local university’s ethics committee (Decision No: 26, Date: 16/12/2024).

Üniversite Öğrencilerinin İnternet, Sosyal Medya Bağımlılığı, Kas İskelet Sistemi ve Uyku Kalitesi Üzerindeki Etkilerinin İncelenmesi

Abstract

Öz Giriş: Üniversite öğrencileri arasında uzun süreli internet ve sosyal medya kullanımı, özellikle kas-iskelet sistemi sağlığı ve uyku kalitesi açısından olumsuz sağlık sonuçlarıyla ilişkilendirilmektedir. Uzun ekran maruziyeti, sürdürülen ergonomik olmayan duruşlar ve fiziksel hareketsizlikle birlikte boyun, sırt ve üst ekstremitelerde rahatsızlık ve ağrıya yol açmaktadır. Ayrıca, gece saatlerinde ekran kullanımı melatonin salgısını baskılayarak sirkadiyen ritmi bozar; bu durum uykuya dalmayı geciktirir ve uyku kalitesini düşürür. Bu çalışma, üniversite öğrencilerinde internet ve sosyal medya kullanımının kas-iskelet sistemi rahatsızlıkları ve uyku kalitesi üzerindeki etkilerini araştırmayı amaçlamaktadır. Yöntemler: Kesitsel tasarımla yürütülen çalışmaya Dicle Üniversitesi’nin dokuz fakültesinden 386 öğrenci katılmıştır. Veri toplama araçları olarak Young’un İnternet Bağımlılığı Testi (IAT), Pittsburgh Uyku Kalitesi İndeksi (PSQI) ve Cornell Kas-İskelet Sistemi Rahatsızlıkları Anketi (CMDQ) kullanılmıştır. Ayrıca sosyodemografik bilgiler de kayıt edilmiştir. Bulgular: Katılımcıların %69,4’ü günlük 3-5 saat arasında akıllı telefon kullanmaktadır. Öğrencilerin önemli bir kısmı uyku sorunları (%58,3), göz yorgunluğu (%53,1) ve boyun ağrısı (%46,6) yaşamaktadır. Ortalama IAT puanı 50,19 olup orta düzey internet bağımlılığı göstermektedir ve internet bağımlılığı ile uyku kalitesi arasında negatif korelasyon bulunmuştur. CMDQ sonuçları, en çok rahatsızlığın sağ üst ekstremite, boyun ve sırt bölgelerinde olduğunu ortaya koymuştur. Bu sonuçlar uzun ekran süresi, kötü duruş, yetersiz ergonomi ve düşük fiziksel aktiviteyle yakından ilişkilidir. Sonuç: Bulgular, dijital medya kullanımının üniversite öğrencilerinde hem fiziksel hem de uyku sağlığı üzerinde çok yönlü olumsuz etkileri olduğunu göstermektedir. Ergonomik farkındalığın artırılması, düzenli fiziksel aktivitenin teşvik edilmesi ve ekran süresinin yönetilmesi gibi önleyici stratejiler bu sağlık risklerinin azaltılmasında kritik öneme sahiptir.

Keywords

• İnternet bağımlılığı
• kas-iskelet rahatsızlıkları
• uyku
• dijital sağlık.

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