Strengthening Resilience in Economically Disadvantaged University Students amid Digital Challenges

Abstract

The transformative impact of digital technologies and social media platforms has created a gap in understanding how these elements influence the well-being of university students from lower socio-economic backgrounds. The purpose of this research was to unravel the intricate interplay between digital technologies, social media, well-being, and psychological resilience among university students characterized by lower socio-economic backgrounds. Employing a mixed-methods approach, the investigation systematically scrutinizes correlations among digital technology use, social media engagement, online communication, well-being, mental health, psychological challenges, and the cultivation of robust digital habits and resilience. The findings underscored the pivotal role of targeted interventions dedicated to nurturing healthy digital habits, mitigating digital stress, and fostering positive online interactions. Correlations revealed nuanced connections within the domains of well-being and resilience, emphasizing the imperative for comprehensive intervention strategies. Qualitative insights highlighted the success and adaptability of the intervention across diverse contexts, especially among individuals from economically disadvantaged households. Notably, participants exhibited heightened receptivity, potentially attributed to their familiarity with digital challenges and a strong motivation to enhance digital well-being. The intervention, featuring online workshops, themed activities, and avatars, yielded positive impacts on participants’ perspectives, concurrently shedding light on the pronounced influence of socio-economic disparities on their digital experiences. Discrepancies in prior exposure to digital well-being initiatives and sociocultural factors contributed to variations in interpretations and feedback. The study suggests that future research should delve into the enduring effects of interventions targeting the promotion of healthy digital habits, coping strategies, and positive online interactions among university students.