THE DIGITAL ERA AND PSYCHOLOGICAL DISTRESS AMONG UNIVERSITY STUDENTS: TECHNOLOGICAL INTENSIFICATION, PSYCHOSOCIAL PROCESSES, AND LIVING CONDITIONS
Abstract
Objective: To analyze the available evidence on biomechanical and psychosocial effects associated with intensive use of digital devices among university students, considering relationships between screen time, posture, musculoskeletal symptoms, and mental health indicators. Methods: An integrative review was conducted in PubMed/MEDLINE, SciELO, and BVS/LILACS between December 2025 and January 2026. The research question was structured using the PCC framework, and procedures followed the stages proposed by Whittemore and Knafl, in accordance with JBI and PRISMA 2020 guidelines. Studies published from 2015 to 2025 that investigated university populations and examined biomechanical or psychosocial consequences of digital technology use were included. Screening and data extraction were performed independently by reviewers, and synthesis adopted an integrative thematic approach. Results: Six studies met the inclusion criteria. Biomechanical findings indicated that inadequate postures—particularly cervical flexion and forward shoulder positioning—are common during prolonged smartphone and computer use and are associated with neck pain, muscular fatigue, and headaches. In the psychosocial domain, hyperconnectivity was linked to anxiety, depression, stress, poorer sleep quality, loneliness, and compulsive behaviors such as binge-watching and problematic smartphone use. Phenomena such as Fear of Missing Out further intensified digital engagement. Interactions between physical and emotional symptoms were consistently reported. Conclusion: Intensive digital technology use constitutes a relevant determinant of morbidity among university students. The predominance of cross-sectional and self-reported studies underscores the need for more robust research designs. Institutional interventions integrating ergonomics, mental health promotion, and digital literacy are essential to mitigate these impacts.
Author Biographies
Doutorando em Saúde Coletiva. Universidade Estadual do Ceará (UECE) Fortaleza-CE, Brasil.
Mestrando em Saúde Coletiva. Universidade Estadual do Ceará (UECE). Fortaleza-CE, Brasil.
Especialista em Gestão dos Sistemas e Serviço de Saúde. Escola de Saúde Pública do Ceará (ESP_CE) Fortaleza-CE, Brasil.
Doutora em saúde coletiva. Centro Universitário Ateneu (UniAteneu). Fortaleza-CE, Brasil.
Doutorado em Biotecnologia. Universidade Estadual do Ceará (UECE). Fortaleza-CE, Brasil.
Fisioterapeuta. Centro Universitário Ateneu (UNIATENEU). Fortaleza-CE, Brasil.
Mestre em Saúde Coletiva. Centro Universitário Ateneu (UNIATENEU). Fortaleza-CE, Brasil.
Doutoranda em Saúde Pública. Universidade Federal do Ceará (UFC). Fortaleza-CE, Brasil.
Acadêmica de Psicologia Universidade Christus (CHRISTUS). Fortaleza-CE, Brasil.
Especialista em Fisioterapia Dermatofuncional. Centro Universitário Ateneu, Fortaleza-CE, Brasil.
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