Digital Literacy and Healthy Technology Use Among College Students in Chengalpattu, Tamil Nadu: A Statistical Analysis of Usage Patterns and Psychological Correlates

Abstract

This study examines the relationship between digital literacy, technology usage patterns, and mental well-being among college students in Chengalpattu, Tamil Nadu. With India's higher education sector witnessing rapid digitalization post-NEP 2020, understanding healthy technology habits becomes crucial. A sample of 400 undergraduate students (18-22 years) from arts, science, and engineering streams across five colleges participated in a mixed-method study employing the Digital Literacy Scale (DLS) and the Problematic Internet Use Questionnaire (PIUQ). Descriptive statistics revealed that 72% of students spent 4+ hours daily on non-academic digital activities, with social media (68%), OTT platforms (45%), and gaming (32%) being primary engagements. Correlation analysis showed a significant negative relationship between digital literacy scores and problematic usage (r = -0.51, p<0.01), indicating that digitally literate students demonstrated healthier habits. Regression models controlling for demographic factors explained 38% variance in academic performance (β=0.42 for productive tech use vs. β=-0.36 for excessive entertainment use, p<0.01). Cluster analysis identified three distinct user profiles: "balanced" (28%), "academic-focused" (34%), and "at-risk excessive users" (38%). The latter group reported 2.3 times higher stress levels (p<0.05) and lower sleep quality scores (M=5.2 vs. 7.1 in balanced users). Gender differences emerged, with male students showing higher gaming addiction (t=3.21, p<0.01) while female students reported more social media-induced anxiety (χ²=6.45, p<0.05). The findings underscore the need for institutional digital wellness programs, suggesting that colleges integrate technology self-regulation modules into curricula. Policy implications include developing region-specific digital competency frameworks for Tamil Nadu's higher education sector to balance technological integration with student well-being.

Keywords: Digital literacy, healthy technology use, college students, Chengalpattu, regression analysis, problematic internet use, mental health, NEP 2020, digital wellness, Tamil Nadu education