Technology addiction in the modern age: Depression, anxiety, and stress among nursing students


Ataç M.

Journal of Psychiatric Nursing, vol.17, no.1, pp.38-45, 2026 (ESCI, Scopus, TRDizin)

  • Publication Type: Article / Article
  • Volume: 17 Issue: 1
  • Publication Date: 2026
  • Doi Number: 10.14744/phd.2026.99836
  • Journal Name: Journal of Psychiatric Nursing
  • Journal Indexes: Scopus, Emerging Sources Citation Index (ESCI), TR DİZİN (ULAKBİM)
  • Page Numbers: pp.38-45
  • Çanakkale Onsekiz Mart University Affiliated: Yes

Abstract

Objectives: This study aimed to examine the levels of technology addiction, depression, anxiety, and stress among nursing students in relation to certain variables. Methods: This analytical cross-sectional study included 251 nursing students. Data were collected using the Personal Data Form, the Technology Addiction Scale (TAS), and the Depression, Anxiety, and Stress Scale (DASS). Results: The average daily internet usage time of the students was 3.24±0.8 hours. The most common reason for connecting to the internet was to use social media applications (91.6%). The mean TAS score of the students was 49.07±13.96, the mean DASS score for depression was 14.17±4.99, for anxiety was 12.92±3.95, and for stress was 14.73±5.01. Male students' use of online games and websites was higher than female students (p=0.017, t=5.776). First-year students had significantly higher mean scores on the TAS (p=0.001, F=5.494) and the stress scale (p=0.001, t=8.755) compared to other grades. Conclusion: Based on these findings, it is recommended that universities implement preventive and educational programs to enhance mental health and reduce technology addiction.