MIND WANDERING AND QUALITY OF LIFE AMONG ADOLESCENTS AND YOUNG ADULTS: PREDICTIVE ROLE OF MEDIA MULTI-TASKING

Abstract

This study had the primary objective of examining the predictive role of media multi-tasking for both mind wandering level and quality of life among adolescents and young adults. Additionally, we aimed to investigate the impact of demographic variables, including age, gender, education, and socio-economic status, on these variables. We conducted our research with a sample of 400 students aged between 14 and 30 years, selected from various locations within the Hazara Division, including Mansehra, Abbottabad, Haripur, Oughi, Battagram and Havalian, using a convenient sampling method. Data collection involved utilizing the the World Health Organization Quality of Life Scale, Media Multitasking Revised Scale, , and the Mind Wandering Questionnaire. Our research results unveiled a direct link between engaging in multiple media activities simultaneously and the occurrence of wandering thoughts, with a contrasting connection observed between multitasking with media and one's overall quality of life. Additionally, our analysis highlighted that media multitasking significantly detracted from one's quality of life while concurrently enhancing the frequency of mind wandering. Significant gender differences as females demonstrating a significantly higher propensity for mind wandering as compared to males. Furthermore, young adults exhibited a higher degree of media multitasking and mind wandering compared to adolescents. In terms of educational differences, university students displayed greater involvement in media multitasking, higher levels of mind wandering, and reported a poorer quality of life. Socio-economic disparities revealed that the individuals from higher socio-economic backgrounds are showing increased engagement in media multitasking and greater levels of mind wandering while individuals with lower class reported higher level of quality of life.