Communications in Humanities Research ISSN: 2753-7072
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Research Article

Life Manipulating Device: The Association Between Smartphone Usage Duration and Stress, Sleep, and Outdoor Activity

Qingyang ZhouHD Shanghai School, Shanghai, China* Xiaolong WangTianjin University of Technology, Tianjin, China Jianyu ZhouShenzhen College of International Education, Shenzhen, China

* Corresponding author: [email protected]

Abstract

This study examines the effects of recreational screen time on sleep quality and perceived stress levels. The duration of mobile phone use was defined as a key predictor variable to more accurately and systematically assess its association with a range of critical health outcomes. Using a mixed-methods approach that combines self-reported survey measures and objective passive detection data, the researchers identified statistically significant and meaningful correlations between this prolonged exposure to the screen and several adverse health indicators. Specifically, increased screen time was robustly and strongly associated with significantly elevated stress and further accompanied by impaired stress regulation, thus leading to reduced outdoor activity time exhibited a greater individual variability across participants. Overall, the findings suggest that excessive recreational screen exposure may disrupt healthy daily behavioral routines, reduce crucial opportunities for physical engagement, and contribute to cumulative psychological strain, underscoring the critical importance of balanced digital usage for individuals' overall well-being.

Keywords: Mobile phone use; stress level; wearable device; heart rate monitoring; galvanic skin response monitoring
Published: December 4, 2025
DOI: 10.54254/2753-7064/2025.HT30275
Volume: CHR Vol.100
pp. 124-130
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