Open access
BETWEEN DIGITAL SELF-AWARENESS AND THE WELL-BEING OF MEDIA STUDIES STUDENTS
Justyna MAGUŚ1
Publication language: Polish
scientific paper
Quest Editor of the Issue Dominika Popielec
Transformations No. 1(128)2026, Publication date: 4 May 2026
Keywords: self-awareness, well-being, digital hygiene, phonoholism, screen time
Abstract The article addresses the issue of digital well-being and self-awareness among young adults aged 19–25 studying media studies. The main aim of the text is to diagnose students’ attitudes toward their own smartphone-use practices and to analyze the possibilities of consciously shaping digital hygiene in everyday life. The study employed a qualitative method in the form of focus group interviews (FGI). The analysis of the collected material reveals, among other things, a certain dissonance between students’ declared knowledge of how media mechanisms operate and their actual, often compulsive, use of technology. The respondents identify the negative effects of excessive use of mobile devices, such as decreased concentration, sleep disturbances, fatigue, overstimulation, and FOMO, yet their actual level of self-control often remains low. The digital self-awareness of media studies students is still in the process of formation. The article formulates recommendations concerning the need to implement systematic education in digital hygiene at the academic level, as well as social campaigns promoting mindful living in an era dominated by technology. The presented research constitutes the first, pilot stage of a broader in-depth research project.
Uniwersytet Marii Curie-Skłodowskiej w Lublinie, Polska
ORCID: 0000-0002-6443-8015
E-mail: justyna.magus@mail.umcs.pl