Wearable Device Use and Mental Health Outcomes in Female College Students

Abstract

Wearable devices such as Apple Watches, Garmin, and Fitbits have taken over the fitness industry and have expanded to people outside of fitness. These devices are popular among many generations, but college students specifically are building habits based on the devices’ constant notifications and fitness monitoring. Studies show that Apple Watches overestimate energy expenditure while the wearable device, Polar A370, underestimates energy expenditure. Users of wearable devices often heavily consider energy expenditure and change their daily habits to meet their goals. As the world becomes more connected through technology, the question arises as to how too much connection can be harmful. This is especially concerning in younger generations. Purpose: The purpose of this study is to analyze the correlation between time on a wearable device and exercise addiction, sleep quality, and mental health in female college students. Methods: Female college students ages 18-25 were assessed through self-report questionnaires, which focused on students’ demographics, wearable device use, and sleep quality, mental health, and exercise habits. Results: One hundred and eighty-nine participants completed the Qualtrics survey. Eighty five percent of respondents report wearing an Apple Watch. Eighty-four percent report wearing their device on the weekends, and seventy-four report they do not exercise without wearing their device. Twenty-seven percent report feeling pressure to exercise by their device even when they are ill. Ninety-nine percent of respondents reported having their text message notifications enabled, and eighty-eight percent feel pressured to look at their device when it vibrates. Despite these high wearable device time responses, there was not a significant correlation between wearable device time and mental health(p=.999), sleep quality(p=.984), or exercise addiction(p=.635). Conclusion: Wearable devices were intended to support regular physical activity and lead users to a healthy lifestyle. This study supports that wearable devices are not harmful to mental health, sleep quality, or exercise habits. Therefore, further research is needed to determine the validity of wearable devices to support physical activity without harmful side effects.