Use of smart technological devices and emotional exhaustion in university students
Keywords:
Digital fatigue, Emotional exhaustion, Problematic technology use, Smart technological devices, University studentsAbstract
The daily use of technological devices among university students provides learning and communication; however, their intensive use poses challenges for emotional well-being and academic performance. In this context, the present study aimed to analyze the effects of smart technological device use and emotional exhaustion among students from the Faculty of Social Education and Human Development at the Specialized University of the Americas (UDELAS), Chiriquí Extension. A quantitative approach was adopted, using a non-experimental cross-sectional design with a descriptive- correlational scope. The participants were 114 students from the Psychology, Criminal Investigation, and Bilingual Tourism Management programs within the Faculty of Social Education and Human Development. For data collection, two instruments were used: the Multicage-ICT Scale to measure the frequency and patterns of smart technological device use, and the Emotional Exhaustion Scale (EES) to assess students’ levels of emotional exhaustion. The results revealed technological use of six or more hours per day, highlighting a high prevalence of digital consumption. The mobile phone was identified as the most frequently used device, primarily for social media interaction. Regarding emotional exhaustion, moderate to high levels of mental and academic fatigue were observed. In response to the proposed hypothesis, a direct correlation was found between mobile phone use and emotional exhaustion (Rho = .196, p < .05), suggesting the need for preventive interventions aimed at this student population.
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