To what extent does applying limits to social media applications on smartphones decrease sedentary behaviour in university students?
Abstract
Smartphones, television and computers play an integral role in the world today. As a
results of screen based usage people are in danger of spending longer amounts of
time in sedentary positions. Guthald et al (2018) found that from 2010 to 2016 that the
levels of physical inactivity globally has risen from 23.3% to just over 25% and linked
this increase to increased screen based usage. Of all online time, 30% is spent on
social media, with the average person spending 2 hours and 20 minutes per day
browsing social platforms (Medium 2019). This has increased more than 50% since
2012. Furthermore there are a number of studies which support the link between
screen based time and sedentary behaviour. The literature also shows that both have
detrimental impacts on health if spending prolonged periods of time engaging in them.
Physical activity has the ability to combat these health issues and has been proven to
work as an intervention to sedentary behaviour. There is not currently any research
looking into whether limiting social media can positively impact sedentary behaviour.
This research proposal will explain how to carry out a study which will do just that.
Participants will have their social media usage tracked on their mobile phones before a
one week intervention is applied. This will limit their time allowed on applications of
social by 25%. Step count and exercise habits will be tracked whilst the week before
and the week of the intervention to determine whether the participant’s sedentary time
is affected.