Use of information and communications technology, academic performance and psychosocial distress in university students

• Published in: Computers in human behavior Vol. 56; pp. 119 - 126
• Main Authors: Cerretani, Patricia Insúa, Iturrioz, Elena Bernaras, Garay, Paola Bully
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: Elsevier Ltd 01.03.2016
• Subjects: Academic performance; Adjustment; Human behavior; ICT; Information technology; Leisure activities; Leisure-related use; Psychosocial adjustment; Sex; Students; Universities; University students; ICT; University students; Leisure-related use; Psychosocial adjustment; Academic performance
• ISSN: 0747-5632; 1873-7692
• DOI: 10.1016/j.chb.2015.11.026

This study analyzed the use of information and communication technology (ICT) made by students of a Spanish university for study-related and leisure purposes. It also explored the effects of its use on students’ academic activities and their performance, as well as on their psychosocial adjustment. The results revealed that 14% of students made excessive use of ICT for their studies (more than 4 h per day). In terms of leisure activities, the figure for excessive use rose to 18.6%. There were no differences by sex or subject area. It was found that the younger the students, the higher the use of ICT, and the higher this use, the poorer the academic performance (objective and subjective) and the greater the psychosocial maladjustment. •This study analyzed the study and leisure-related ICT use in university students.•How ICT use affected their academic performance and their psychosocial adjustment?•The younger the students, the higher the use of ICT for both study and leisure.•Excessive ICT use can lead to poorer academic performance.•ICT use influences psychosocial adjustment directly and through academic performance.