The The Interplay of Smartphone Addiction, Daily Life Stress, Academic Procrastination, and Physical Activity: A Digital Detox Intervention Study

Abstract

Excessive smartphone use among university students has been associated with increased stress, academic procrastination, and reduced physical activity, leading to the need for interventions such as digital detox. This study aimed to examine the relationship of smartphone addiction with daily life stress, academic procrastination, and physical activity, as well as the efficacy of a digital detox intervention. A sample of 25 university students screened for smartphone addiction participated in a two-week intervention. Study variables were assessed using the Smartphone Addiction Scale-Short Form Urdu adaptation (Tahir Khalily et al., 2019), Daily Life Stress Response Scale (Debowska et al., 2022), Academic Procrastination Scale (McClosky, 2011), and International Physical Activity Questionnaire (Craig et al., 2003). Data was analyzed through correlation, t-test, and linear regression. Results showed a significant positive correlation between smartphone addiction, daily life stress, and academic procrastination, while its negative correlation with physical activity was weak and nonsignificant. Pretest–posttest comparisons indicated a significant reduction in smartphone addiction, daily life stress, and procrastination levels, alongside a significant increase in physical activity following the detox. These findings confirm that smartphone addiction contributes to stress and academic procrastination, aligning with prior literature. Although its association with physical activity was not statistically significant, the digital detox intervention still produced meaningful improvements across behavioral and psychological outcomes. This study highlights the potential of digital detox programs as effective strategies to reduce problematic smartphone use and promote healthier routines among university students.