JMIR Publications

ABSTRACT

Background:

Problematic digital media use (PDMU) among young people has been on the rise. PDMU is defined as excessive use of digital media (DM), the internet, or electronic communication leading to user dysfunction and harm to other individuals. Evidence links excessive use of media with various mental health disorders, behavioural problems, substance abuse, poor sleep hygiene, and social dysfunction. This maladaptive behavior is pervasive among young people, yet a paucity of studies that comprehensively examine the phenomenon in this specific population exists.

Objective:

This systematic review seeks to examine the current global prevalence of problematic digital media use (PDMU) among young adults aged 18 to 24 years, explore the extent of the issue across different regions of the world, and identify key factors contributing to its occurrence.

Methods:

The proposed systematic review will use the PERSyst Methodology for systematic review of prevalence and incidence. A 3-step search strategy will be used, covering 2020-2025, with no language restrictions. Nine sources will be searched, including Embase (Elsevier), PubMed (PubMed), PsycInfo (EBSCO), Web of Science Core Collection (Clarivate), Communication & Mass Media Complete (EBSCO), LILACS (VHL Portal), China National Knowledge Infrastructure (CNKI Platform), ProQuest Dissertations & Theses Global (ProQuest), and Google Scholar. Study selection will follow a 3-step process, including critical appraisal for methodological quality. Standardized data extraction tools will be used. Two reviewers will make decisions independently; conflicts will be resolved by consensus. Narrative synthesis will be conducted, and where possible, a meta-analysis will estimate PDMU prevalence with 95% confidence intervals using a random effects model. Heterogeneity will be assessed using X2 and I2 statistics. The Grade approach will be used to assess certainty of the evidence.

Results:

The study aims to examine the global prevalence and key factors of PDMU among young adults, as this population is at risk for maladaptive behaviors and poor psycho-social health outcomes, and under-representation in the literature. The comprehensive search will begin in August 2025, with screening and selection of eligible studies following a three-step search process. The process will involve searching various electronic bibliographic databases. Data extraction and synthesis will be conducted between September and October 2025. Subsequently, the manuscript will be prepared and completed by the end of November 2025, with plans to submit the manuscript to a journal by the end of December 2025.

Conclusions:

The planned review contributes to the growing body of evidence on digital media use among young adults by highlighting its potential impact on overall well-being. To our knowledge, this is the first comprehensive synthesis focused specifically on this population. These findings highlight the need for routine screening and early intervention strategies to address the social, mental, and physical health risks associated with digital media overuse in young adulthood. Clinical Trial: PROSPERO registration number CRD420251075912