Technology and the effect on the Psychosocial Well-being of College Students

Sandra A. Ortiz

University of La Verne

A senior project thesis submitted to the faculty of University of La Verne in the
Psychology Department for partial fulfillment of the requirements of the degree of
Bachelor of Science in Psychology
May 24, 2011
Advisor: Jodie Lara-Margolis, M.A.

Abstract
This study assessed the effects of technology on the psychosocial well-being of college students. A cross-sectional, survey method design examined the relationship between the effects of psychosocial well-being (depression, anxiety, and stress) in college students due to their measured technology use. To determine psychosocial well-being, respondents were asked to respond to questions from the Depression Anxiety and Stress Scales. To measure Internet over-use and cell phone over-use respondents were asked to respond to questions from the combined Internet Over-Use/Cell Phone Over-Use Scales. Heavy Internet and cell phone use is associated with high anxiety, depression, and stress. There were not differences in Internet or cell phone use for gender.
Keywords: Internet over-use, cell-phone over-use, behavioral addictions, assessment, psychosocial

Technology and the Effect on the Psychosocial Well-being of College Students Technology has had an impact on the lives of almost everyone who has ever picked up a cell phone or searched the Internet. For many individuals that impact has translated into increased depression, anxiety, stress, and/or social isolation. Due to the excessive amount of time spent using numerous forms of technology meant to free up our lives the opposite seems to have taken place. Many people today find themselves as slaves to their electronic devices; slaves to the cell phone and Internet industry that has convinced a generation of seemingly