Digital addiction among health care professionals was significantly associated with higher rates of anxiety, depression, and stress, according to a study published in BMC Psychology.
Why It’s Relevant
Due to their exposure to occupational stress, emotional exhaustion, and irregular work hours, health care professionals may face a unique risk for developing digital addiction—characterized by compulsively engaging with digital devices despite negative consequences.
By the Numbers
- Researchers surveyed 371 health professionals from two hospitals in Turkey (57% female, mean age of 34). Participants were nurses (31%), doctors (24%), midwives (23%), and other clinical support staff (21%) such as medical technicians or laboratory staff; a little over half worked night shifts.
- Participants used digital devices for an average of 4.4 hours per day, with 65% using them for social media platforms such as Instagram, YouTube, and TikTok.
- Higher digital addiction scores were associated with more loneliness, anxiety, depression, and stress. Duration of digital device use was the strongest predictor of digital addiction.
- Similarly, higher loneliness scores were associated with higher digital addiction scores and more hours spent on digital devices.
- Together, loneliness and digital addiction explained 21% to 23% of the variance in anxiety, depression, and stress symptoms among participants.
The Other Side
The data were self-reported, which may have introduced biases, and the researchers cautioned that the results show association, not causation. Additionally, the study was conducted among health care professionals from two hospitals and can be generalized only to populations with similar characteristics.
Takeaway Message
Many of the participants stated that they used their devices to alleviate stress and fatigue during breaks or after their shift, but the researchers said these findings “emphasize the psychological risks of uncontrolled digital media use in high-stress professions.” Health care organizations should consider a range of interventions to support their staff, including “digital detox” workshops and psychosocial support lines.
Related Information
Source
Kadriye Olğaç Ak, et al. Digital addiction on depression, anxiety, stress and loneliness in healthcare professionals: cross-sectional study. BMC Psychology. Published online April 9, 2026. doi: 10.1186/s40359-026-04508-3
(Image: Getty Images/iStock/damircudic)