Researchers studied 400 Turkish high school students to understand how spending too much time on phones and computers affects their eating habits and exercise. They found that about 1 in 4 teens showed signs of digital addiction—meaning they spent excessive time online. Teens who were addicted to screens were more likely to eat unhealthy foods, especially while scrolling through social media or eating late at night. The good news? Teens who ate Mediterranean-style foods (lots of fruits, vegetables, and fish) and exercised regularly had lower screen addiction levels. This suggests that healthy eating and physical activity might help reduce screen addiction in young people.
The Quick Take
- What they studied: How spending too much time on digital devices (phones, computers, tablets) connects to eating habits and exercise in teenagers
- Who participated: 400 high school students in Turkey, ranging from typical adolescents in a school setting
- Key finding: About 24% of students showed signs of digital addiction. Students who ate while using social media or ate late at night had higher addiction scores. Students who followed healthy Mediterranean diets and exercised regularly had lower digital addiction levels.
- What it means for you: If you’re spending lots of time on screens, it may be affecting your eating choices and activity level. Eating healthier foods and moving your body more might help reduce screen time cravings. However, this study shows a connection, not proof that one causes the other.
The Research Details
This was a cross-sectional study, which means researchers collected information from students at one point in time rather than following them over months or years. The researchers gave 400 high school students surveys asking about their screen habits, what they eat, and how much they exercise. The surveys included specific tools designed to measure digital addiction, diet quality using Mediterranean diet standards, and physical activity levels. All the information was collected through questionnaires that students completed, and then researchers used computer software to analyze the patterns and connections between these three areas.
This research approach helps identify which factors tend to go together in teenagers’ lives. By looking at all three areas at once—screen time, eating, and exercise—researchers can see the bigger picture of teen health. Understanding these connections helps schools and parents know what to focus on when trying to help teens develop healthier habits.
This study collected data from a reasonable number of students (400) using established measurement tools that have been tested before. However, because it’s a snapshot in time rather than following students over years, we can’t be completely sure which factor causes the others. The study was conducted in Turkey, so results might be slightly different in other countries with different cultures and food traditions.
What the Results Show
The research found that approximately 24% of the high school students studied showed signs of digital addiction. This means about 1 in 4 teens were spending excessive time on digital devices and online platforms. Students who had digital addiction were more likely to eat while using social media and to eat late at night. These eating behaviors were strongly connected to higher digital addiction scores. Interestingly, the study found that eating during social media use and night eating habits were the strongest predictors of digital addiction among all the factors studied.
The study also discovered that students who followed Mediterranean diet principles more closely—eating more fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and fish—tended to have lower digital addiction scores. Similarly, students who exercised regularly and enjoyed physical activity showed lower levels of digital addiction. These findings suggest that healthy lifestyle habits in one area (diet or exercise) may be connected to better habits in another area (less screen time).
Previous research has shown that excessive screen time is linked to poor eating habits and less physical activity in young people. This study confirms those connections and adds new information by showing that eating while distracted by screens and eating late at night are particularly strong risk factors. The finding that healthy eating and exercise are connected to lower screen addiction aligns with other research suggesting that overall healthy lifestyle habits tend to cluster together.
This study shows connections between screen time, eating, and exercise, but it doesn’t prove that one causes the other. For example, we can’t say for certain that screen addiction causes unhealthy eating—it could be that unhealthy eating habits lead to more screen time, or that another factor influences both. The study only included high school students in Turkey, so results might differ for younger or older people or in different countries. The study relied on students self-reporting their habits, which might not always be completely accurate.
The Bottom Line
Based on this research, teenagers should aim to reduce screen time, especially during meals. Eating Mediterranean-style foods (fruits, vegetables, whole grains, fish, olive oil) appears to support healthier screen habits. Regular physical activity and exercise also seem to help reduce digital addiction. Schools could teach students about mindful eating and the connection between screen time and food choices. These recommendations have moderate confidence because the study shows connections but not definitive cause-and-effect relationships.
This research is most relevant for teenagers, parents of teens, and school health programs. If you’re a teen spending several hours daily on screens while eating, or if you notice you eat more junk food when scrolling, these findings apply to you. Teachers and school counselors should care about this research when designing health education programs. The findings are less directly applicable to young children or adults, though the principles may still be helpful.
Changes in screen habits and eating patterns typically take 2-4 weeks to become noticeable. You might see improvements in energy levels and eating choices within a month of reducing screen time during meals and increasing physical activity. However, breaking digital addiction habits may take longer—expect 2-3 months to see significant changes in overall screen dependency.
Want to Apply This Research?
- Track daily screen time during meals (in minutes) and count how many meals eaten without screens. Also log Mediterranean diet foods consumed (servings of fruits, vegetables, whole grains, fish) and minutes of physical activity. Monitor these three metrics weekly to see how they change together.
- Set a specific goal like ’no screens during dinner’ or ’eat one Mediterranean-style meal daily while doing something active afterward.’ Use the app to set reminders for screen-free meals and to log physical activity immediately after exercising. Create a weekly challenge to increase Mediterranean diet foods while decreasing screen time during eating.
- Use the app to create a dashboard showing the relationship between your three habits: screen time during meals, Mediterranean diet adherence, and physical activity minutes. Review weekly trends to see if reducing screens correlates with better eating choices and more exercise. Set monthly goals that address all three areas together rather than focusing on just one.
This research shows associations between digital addiction, diet quality, and physical activity in teenagers, but does not establish definitive cause-and-effect relationships. These findings are based on a single study conducted in Turkey and may not apply equally to all populations. This information is for educational purposes and should not replace professional medical or mental health advice. If you or a teen in your care is struggling with digital addiction or disordered eating, please consult with a healthcare provider, counselor, or mental health professional. Always discuss significant lifestyle changes with a doctor before implementation.