Predicting The Digital Burnout Levels of Youth

Abstract

This study aimed to examine the roles of loneliness and depression—anxiety—stress in predicting digital burnout levels among young individuals. The sample consisted of 598 young individuals (368 females, 230 males) recruited from the provinces of Kayseri and Kırşehir. Data were collected using a Personal Information Form developed by the researcher, the Digital Burnout Scale (DBS), the UCLA Loneliness Scale—Short Form (ULS-8), and the Depression, Anxiety, and Stress Scale (DASS-21). The data were analyzed using SPSS 26. Correlational analyses indicated a moderately significant positive relationship between digital burnout and loneliness, and a highly significant positive relationship between digital burnout and depression, anxiety, and stress. Loneliness (ULS-8) and all subscales of the DASS-21 were found to significantly predict digital burnout. Together, loneliness, depression, anxiety, and stress accounted for 55% of the variance in digital burnout. Additionally, statistically significant differences in digital burnout levels were observed based on gender, employment status, daily internet use duration, frequency of notification checking, and primary purpose of digital device use. However, no significant differences were found in digital burnout levels based on academic achievement. Overall, this study contributes to the literature by highlighting the associations among youth mental health, loneliness, and digital habits, and provides insights for developing preventive intervention strategies targeting digital burnout.