The Role Of Digital Exposure In Teenage Anxiety: Comparing Rural And Urban Adolescents Across

Abstract

This study presents the issue of digital exposure on teenage anxiety with a comparative emphasis on rural and urban adolescents. With the increased use of digital connectivity in adolescent life, the side effects of the same especially anxiety are of concern. The study is based on a sample of 80 adolescents (40 rural and 40 urban) and secondary data based on well-established behavioural and psychological research, which is used to analyse trends in screen time, content consumption, and reported anxiety symptoms. The results show that adolescents in urban areas have a much stronger digital presence, particularly in social media and gaming, and experience more symptoms of anxiety, including sleep disturbance, over thinking and mood swings. By contrast, rural teenagers demonstrate a more balanced use of the digital world, spending more time on educational content and experiencing less anxiety. The paper indicates the importance of geographical and lifestyle effects on the connection between digital media consumption and the mental health of adolescents and the necessity of specific interventions and digital wellness education especially in urban areas.