Association Between Digital Addiction and Physical Activity in Korean Adults Across Age Groups: An Analysis of Community Health Survey Data.

Abstract

Objective: Extensive research has been conducted on digital addiction, particularly concerning internet, gaming, and smartphone use among adolescents and young adults. However, there is limited information about digital addiction in adults, especially in relation to physical activity. This study investigated the prevalence of digital addiction among Korean adults and explored its association with physical activity across various age groups.

Methods: Using data from the 2023 Community Health Survey (n=231,752), this study estimated the prevalence of digital addiction, defined as experiencing impaired daily functioning due to excessive internet, gaming, or smartphone use. Physical activity was defined as exercise and regular walking. Multiple logistic regression was conducted to examine the association between physical activity and digital addiction in the full sample and by age group (under 40, 40-59, and 60+ years).

Results: In 2023, the prevalence of digital addiction among adults was estimated to be 12.0%. Significantly higher odds of digital addiction were observed in younger age groups. Individuals who reported perceived stress or depression were at an increased risk for digital addiction. Conversely, physical activity was linked to a reduced risk of digital addiction, with odds ratios of 0.96 (p<0.05) for exercise and 0.93 (p<0.001) for regular walking. Notably, regular walking was associated with a reduced risk of digital addiction only in the 40-59 age group.

Conclusions: Physical activity, particularly regular walking, is linked to a lower risk of digital addiction in Korean adults. Encouraging regular walking may help reduce digital addiction among middle-aged adults.