Screen Culture and Sustainable Well-Being: A Study of Digital Balance, Social Relationships, and Quality of Life among Gen Z with reference to harbour suburb of Mumbai

Abstract

Screen culture has rapidly developed and broadly influences the lives of Generation Z. This paper explores the impacts screen use has on the sustainable well-being of Generation Z, concerning digital balance, social interactions, physical and mental health and overall quality of life. Digital technologies provide functional benefits related to education, social networking, and entertainment. However, despite the technological boom, adverse effects of screen use include social isolation, reduced physical activity, sleep problems, and increased stress, anxiety, and emotional reliance on the screen. The questionnaire and its analysis test how excessive screen use may reduce the quality of face-to-face social interactions, contribute to loneliness and weaken emotional regulation processes, influencing mental health and social bonding. On the other hand, digital balance—defined as awareness and prudent use of digital technologies—emerges as a critical focal point in achieving sustainable well-being. The current study looks to characterize patterns of screen usage and plausible effects on physical, psychological, and social health, which, in turn, will contribute to insights on how Generation Z can achieve positive integration of screen media into daily life. Ultimately, this research aspires to surface insights that shall inform educators, parents and policymakers about the need to encourage positive and balanced digital integration to foster sustainable well-being and an improved quality of life.