Impact of Digital Fatigue on Attention Span among College Students

Abstract

This research examined the impact of digital fatigue on attention span among college students in the context of growing digital dependence in academic and personal life. The study was based on the premise that prolonged exposure to digital devices may contribute to cognitive exhaustion and reduced attentional functioning. A sample of 196 university students, comprising 95 females and 101 males, completed the Multidimensional Digital Fatigue Questionnaire and the Attention Control Scale. The data were analyzed using descriptive statistics, Pearson correlation, and independent samples t-test. The findings showed a significant negative correlation between digital fatigue and attention span, indicating that higher levels of digital fatigue were associated with lower attentional control. In addition, students with high digital fatigue scores demonstrated significantly lower attention span than students with low digital fatigue scores. The results suggest that digital fatigue is an important factor influencing attention among college students and may have implications for academic functioning and cognitive well-being.