The effects of technology on health and physical activity: A qualitative study
Abstract
The aim of this study was to explore how technological devices influence individuals’ physical activity and overall health, identifying both the positive and negative effects of technology use on well-being. A qualitative design employing semi-structured interviews was used with a convenience sample of 100 participants aged 18–52 years (M ± SD = 26.3 ± 8.5). The sample consisted of 51% females and 49% males. The interviews explored participants’ experiences and perceptions of how technological devices influence physical activity and overall well-being. Data were transcribed, coded, and thematically analyzed to identify both positive and negative effects. The findings indicated that excessive use of smartphones, computers, and gaming devices contributed to sedentary lifestyles, musculoskeletal discomfort, psychological fatigue, and reduced social interaction. However, participants also reported that technology can support physical activity through fitness apps, wearable devices, and online exercise platforms. Suggested strategies to mitigate adverse effects included regulating screen time, correcting posture, practising mindful technology use, and incorporating breaks for physical movement. Technology has a dual influence on health and physical activity, acting both as a barrier and a facilitator. Striking a balance between use and overuse is essential to ensure positive outcomes. Public health initiatives and educational programs should emphasize responsible technology engagement and encourage strategies that promote active lifestyles.
Downloads
-
Abstract86
-
PDF85
References
Adeoye‐Olatunde, O. A., & Olenik, N. L. (2021). Research and scholarly methods: Semi‐structured interviews. Journal of the American College of Clinical Pharmacy, 4(10), 1358–1367. https://doi.org/10.1002/jac5.1441
Alawiye, T. R. (2024). The impact of digital technology on healthcare delivery and patient outcomes. E-Health Telecommunication Systems and Networks, 13(2), 13–22. https://doi.org/10.4236/etsn.2024.132002
Alqassim, A. Y., Alharbi, A. A., Muaddi, M. A., Makeen, A. M., Shuayri, W. H., Safhi, A. M., Alfifa, A. Y., Samily, I. H., Darbashi, N. A., Otayn, M. A., Moafa, A. Y., Wafi, A. M., & Mahfouz, M. S. (2024). Associations of electronic device use and physical activity with headaches in Saudi medical students. Medicina, 60(2), 1-12. https://doi.org/10.3390/medicina60020299
Biddle, S. J., García, E. B., Pedisic, Z., Bennie, J., Vergeer, I., & Wiesner, G. (2017). Screen time, other sedentary behaviours, and obesity risk in adults: A review of reviews. Current Obesity Reports, 6(2), 134–147. https://doi.org/10.1007/s13679-017-0256-9
Carras, M. C., Aljuboori, D., Shi, J., Date, M., Karkoub, F., Ortiz, K. G., … Thrul, J. (2024). Prevention and health promotion interventions for young people in the context of digital well-being: Rapid systematic review. Journal of Medical Internet Research, 26, 1-24. https://doi.org/10.2196/59968
Chaudhari, H. P. (2024). Virtual fitness trainer using AI: A research paper. International Journal for Research in Applied Science and Engineering Technology, 12(5), 4082–4089. https://doi.org/10.22214/ijraset.2024.62505
Chen, Y., Li, W., Hussam, A. S., Baghaei, S., & Salahshour, S. (2025). Transforming health and wellness: Exploring the captivating convergence of rehabilitation, exercise, and cutting-edge health gadgets in the rapidly evolving tech-driven world. Technology in Society, 81, 1-16. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.techsoc.2024.102808
Cohen, D. A., Zarr, R., Estrada, E., Zhong, H., & Han, B. (2025). Association of children's electronic media use with physical activity, cognitive function, and stress. Preventive medicine, 190, 1-12. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ypmed.2024.108184
Dohrn, I., Tarp, J., Steene-Johannessen, J., Vasankari, T., & Hagströmer, M. (2024). Device-measured physical activity and sedentary time in the Nordic countries: A scoping review of population-based studies. Journal of Sport and Health Science, 13(5), 650–660. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jshs.2024.04.003
Fanaroff, A. C., Patel, M. S., Chokshi, N., Coratti, S., Farraday, D., Norton, L., … Volpp, K. G. (2024). Effect of gamification, financial incentives, or both to increase physical activity among patients at high risk of cardiovascular events: The BE ACTIVE randomized controlled trial. Circulation, 149(21), 1639–1649. https://doi.org/10.1161/circulationaha.124.069531
Farooq, A., Basterfield, L., Adamson, A. J., Pearce, M. S., Hughes, A. R., Janssen, X., … Reilly, J. J. (2021). Moderate-to-vigorous intensity physical activity and sedentary behaviour across childhood and adolescence, and their combined relationship with obesity risk: A multi-trajectory analysis. International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health, 18(14), 1–12. https://doi.org/10.3390/ijerph18147421
Fennell, C., Barkley, J. E., & Lepp, A. (2018). The relationship between cell phone use, physical activity, and sedentary behavior in adults aged 18–80. Computers in Human Behavior, 90, 53–59. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.chb.2018.08.044
Foryś, A., Stawska, W., Miłek, M., Banach, M., Kwaśniak, K., Ślusarczyk, M., … Kmiotek, W. (2024). How do smartphones affect physical and mental health. Quality in Sport, 15, 1–17. https://doi.org/10.12775/qs.2024.15.51864
Fucarino, A., Fabbrizio, A., Garrido, N. D., Iuliano, E., Reis, V. M., Sausa, M., … Cantoia, M. (2024). Emerging technologies and open-source platforms for remote physical exercise: Innovations and opportunities for healthy population—A narrative review. Healthcare, 12(15), 1–15. https://doi.org/10.3390/healthcare12151466
G, A. (2024). Sample size determination and sampling technique. International Journal of Science and Research, 13(9), 1432–1440. https://doi.org/10.21275/es24924103353
Gao, Y., Li, Q., Yang, L., Zhao, H., Wang, D., & Pesola, A. J. (2024). Causal association between sedentary behaviors and health outcomes: A systematic review and meta-analysis of Mendelian randomization studies. Sports Medicine, 54(12), 3051–3067. https://doi.org/10.1007/s40279-024-02090-5
Giannousi, M., Masadis, G., Vernadakis, N., & Liakos, C. (2024). Examining the influence of children and parents’ portable device use on sedentary behavior and physical activity levels. Sport Mont, 22(1), 115–121. https://doi.org/10.26773/smj.240216
Gomes, A., & Dias, J. G. (2024). Digital divide in the European Union: a typology of EU citizens. Social Indicators Research, 176(1), 149-172. https://doi.org/10.1007/s11205-024-03452-2
Gómez-Cuesta, N., Mateo-Orcajada, A., Meroño, L., Abenza-Cano, L., & Vaquero-Cristóbal, R. (2024). A mobile app-based intervention improves anthropometry, body composition, and fitness, regardless of previous active–inactive status: A randomized controlled trial. Frontiers in Public Health, 12, 1–24. https://doi.org/10.3389/fpubh.2024.1380621
Goodman-Deane, J., Waller, S., Bradley, M., Clarkson, P. J., Lazzarini, B., Bosch, E. R., & Gaggi, S. (2024). User factors affecting the use of digital services in five European regions and countries. Scientific Data, 11(1), 1–14. https://doi.org/10.1038/s41597-024-03318-9
Gour, S., Peake, A., Tong, C., Churm, J., Ahmad, B., Pournik, O., & Arvanitis, T. N. (2024). Advancing healthcare through interoperability: Implementing scalable solutions for patient data integration. Studies in Health Technology and Informatics, 316, 242–246. https://doi.org/10.3233/SHTI240390
Goyal, J., & Rakhra, G. (2024). Sedentarism and chronic health problems. Korean Journal of Family Medicine, 45(5), 239–257. https://doi.org/10.4082/kjfm.24.0099
Grzelak, A. (2024). The detrimental effects of a sedentary lifestyle on human health. Journal of Education, Health and Sport, 76, 1–14. https://doi.org/10.12775/jehs.2024.76.56473
Hartstein, L. E., Mathew, G. M., Reichenberger, D. A., Rodriguez, I., Allen, N., Chang, A., … Hale, L. (2024). The impact of screen use on sleep health across the lifespan: A National Sleep Foundation consensus statement. Sleep Health, 10(4), 373–384. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.sleh.2024.05.001
Haug, E. (2025). Adolescents' screen-based media use and the relationship with moderate-to-vigorous physical activity, sports club participation, and active commuting. Scandinavian Journal of Public Health, 53, 42–51. https://doi.org/10.1177/14034948241293603
Hayashi, K., Imai, H., Oikawa, I., Ishihara, Y., Wakuda, H., Miura, I., … Uemura, N. (2024). Cadence-based pedometer app with financial incentives to enhance moderate-to-vigorous physical activity: Development and single-arm feasibility study. JMIR Formative Research, 8, 1–9. https://doi.org/10.2196/56376
Herbert, C. (2022). Enhancing mental health, well-being, and active lifestyles of university students by means of physical activity and exercise research programs. Frontiers in Public Health, 10, 1–14. https://doi.org/10.3389/fpubh.2022.849093
Huang, X., Yao, C., Huang, S., Zheng, S., Liu, Z., Liu, J., … Xie, X. (2024). Technological advances of wearable device for continuous monitoring of in vivo glucose. ACS Sensors, 9(3), 1065–1088. https://doi.org/10.1021/acssensors.3c01947
Ira, G. Ö., İra, N., Güngörc, Ş., Çakır, P., & Aksu, A. (2024). Access of primary school students to information and communication technologies in Turkey. Research on Education and Media, 16(1), 45–55. https://doi.org/10.2478/rem-2024-0007
K, C., M, G., V, S., & R, G. S. (2024). AI based automated gym trainer using machine learning. In 2022 8th International Conference on Advanced Computing and Communication Systems (ICACCS) (pp. 2046–2049). https://doi.org/10.1109/icaccs60874.2024.10717080
Lee, S., Alaveras, G., & Yin, P. (2024). Click versus tap: The substitution effects of smartphones on computers. Review of Industrial Organization, 66(1), 89–107. https://doi.org/10.1007/s11151-024-09984-8
Lochmiller, C. R. (2021). Conducting thematic analysis with qualitative data. The Qualitative Report, 26(6), 2029–2044. https://doi.org/10.46743/2160-3715/2021.5008
Lönngren, J., Svanström, M., Ingerman, Å., & Holmberg, J. (2015). Dealing with the multidimensionality of sustainability through the use of multiple perspectives: A theoretical framework. European Journal of Engineering Education, 41(3), 342–352. https://doi.org/10.1080/03043797.2015.1079811
Lopes, G. C. D. (2024). Screen, brain and behavior: Neuroscientific evidence about the negative effects of prolonged use. South Florida Journal of Health, 5(4), 1–6. https://doi.org/10.46981/sfjhv5n4-004
Mahendra, R. O. D., Ariantini, N. S., Kristiyawati, S. P., Putra, F., & Abdillah, M. N. (2024). Innovations in public health: The role of technology in improving access to healthcare services. The Journal of Academic Science, 1(8), 1096–1104. https://doi.org/10.59613/k5w9wp41
Mocco, A., Valmaggia, L., Bernardi, L., Alfieri, M., & Tarricone, I. (2024). Enhancing physical activity with immersive virtual reality: A systematic review. Cyberpsychology, Behavior, and Social Networking, 27(5), 303–317. https://doi.org/10.1089/cyber.2023.0394
Nae, I. C. (2024). The intersection of sports with technological evolution. Marathon, 16(1), 37–45. https://doi.org/10.24818/mrt.24.16.01.04
Paripoornam, N. R. (2025). Understanding motivations of Generation Z customers for adoption of smart health devices. Journal of Informatics Education and Research, 5(1), 1600–1609. https://doi.org/10.52783/jier.v5i1.2149
Patel, M. S., Small, D. S., Harrison, J. D., Fortunato, M. P., Oon, A. L., Rareshide, C. A. L., Reh, G., Szwartz, G., Guszcza, J., Steier, D., Kalra, P., & Hilbert, V. (2019). Effectiveness of behaviorally designed gamification interventions with social incentives for increasing physical activity among overweight and obese adults across the United States: The STEP UP randomized clinical trial. JAMA Internal Medicine, 179(12), 1624–1632. https://doi.org/10.1001/jamainternmed.2019.3505
Penglong, N. G., Diva, N. M. F., Xue, N. Z., & Yangyang, N. Z. (2024). Impact of artificial intelligence usage and technology competence on competitive advantage with mediating role of effective information management system. El Profesional de la Información, 33(5), 1–12. https://doi.org/10.3145/epi.2024.ene.0501
Presta, V., Guarnieri, A., Laurenti, F., Mazzei, S., Arcari, M. L., Mirandola, P., … Gobbi, G. (2024). The impact of digital devices on children’s health: A systematic literature review. Journal of Functional Morphology and Kinesiology, 9(4), 1–20. https://doi.org/10.3390/jfmk9040236
Rahayu, A., Setyawan, H., Sabariah, S., Rufi’i, R., Hendri, N., Safrudin, S., … Sanjaykumar, S. (2024). Strategies to increase physical activity in elementary school children in the digital age to support a healthy lifestyle. Retos, 61, 1410–1421. https://doi.org/10.47197/retos.v61.110184
Rowland, S., Bach, C., Simon, K., Westmark, D. M., & Sperling, E. (2024). Effectiveness of digital health interventions to increase cardiorespiratory fitness: A systematic review and meta-analysis. Digital Health, 10, 1-16. https://doi.org/10.1177/20552076241282381
Saranya, S. N. R. (2024). Revolutionizing health records: The AI way. International Journal of Science and Research, 13(4), 1310–1313. https://doi.org/10.21275/sr24417190214
Schmidt-Persson, J., Rasmussen, M. G. B., Sørensen, S. O., Mortensen, S. R., Olesen, L. G., Brage, S., Kristensen, P. L., Bilenberg, N., & Grøntved, A. (2024). Screen media use and mental health of children and adolescents. JAMA Network Open, 7(7), 1–13. https://doi.org/10.1001/jamanetworkopen.2024.19881
Sheng, Q. (2025). Understanding the biomechanics of smartphone addiction: The physical and cognitive impacts of prolonged device use on college students. Molecular & Cellular Biomechanics, 22(2), 1–14. https://doi.org/10.62617/mcb650
Shoozan, A., & Mohamad, M. (2024). Application of interview protocol refinement framework in systematically developing and refining a semi-structured interview protocol. SHS Web of Conferences, 182, 04006. https://doi.org/10.1051/shsconf/202418204006
Singh, N. D., Sure, N. T. A. R., & Mullankandy, N. S. (2024). Convergence of SaaS, AI, and telecom in telehealth: Transforming the future of healthcare delivery through intelligent systems. World Journal of Advanced Research and Reviews, 24(1), 667–678. https://doi.org/10.30574/wjarr.2024.24.1.2918
Smith, A. C., Thomas, E., Snoswell, C. L., Haydon, H., Mehrotra, A., Clemensen, J., & Caffery, L. J. (2020). Telehealth for global emergencies: Implications for coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19). Journal of Telemedicine and Telecare, 26(5), 309–313. https://doi.org/10.1177/1357633X20916567
Steunf, A. L., Page, E., Guillodo, Y., & Saraux, A. (2024). Does reducing smartphone use impact physical activity? PLoS ONE, 19(10), 1–11. https://doi.org/10.1371/journal.pone.0311248
Sukatemin, S., Muhalla, H. I., Muarrofah, M., Utari, D. A., & Fitriani, V. Y. (2025). Sedentary lifestyle and the threat of obesity among young people. The Journal of Academic Science, 2(1), 232–240. https://doi.org/10.59613/3cjm3157
Sunstrum, F. N., Khan, J. U., Li, N., & Welsh, A. W. (2025). Wearable textile sensors for continuous glucose monitoring. Biosensors and Bioelectronics, 273, 1–42. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.bios.2025.117133
Tahir, S. (2024). Using semi-structured interviews in qualitative research: A case of the maintenance of social order in the linguistic landscape of Islamabad, Pakistan. Qlantic Journal of Social Sciences and Humanities, 5(4), 158–168. https://doi.org/10.55737/qjssh.v-iv(cp).24139
Tjahjono, C. T., & Arthamin, M. (2024). Sedentary lifestyle as a leading cause of some diseases and disability. Clinical and Research Journal in Internal Medicine, 5(1), 60–85. https://doi.org/10.21776/ub.crjim.2024.005.01.09
Tóth, K., Takács, P., & Balatoni, I. (2024). Users’ expectations of smart devices during physical activity: A literature review. Applied Sciences, 14(8), 1–16. https://doi.org/10.3390/app14083518
Walsh, L. C., Regan, A., Okabe-Miyamoto, K., & Lyubomirsky, S. (2024). Does putting down your smartphone make you happier? The effects of restricting digital media on well-being. PLoS ONE, 19(10), 1–25. https://doi.org/10.1371/journal.pone.0306910
Wang, K., Li, Y., Liu, H., Zhang, T., & Luo, J. (2024). Can physical activity counteract the negative effects of sedentary behavior on the physical and mental health of children and adolescents? A narrative review. Frontiers in Public Health, 12, 1–13. https://doi.org/10.3389/fpubh.2024.1412389
Wang, R., Yin, Y., Zhang, Y., Liu, Y., Wang, X., Lv, C., Bin, X., Xi, Y., Wang, W., Deng, G., Li, S., & Yang, C. (2025). Digital devices usage and neck and shoulder pain among college students: a cross-sectional study in China. International Journal of Environmental Health Research, 35(9), 2533–2545. https://doi.org/10.1080/09603123.2025.2449970
Wang, X. (2024). Use of proper sampling techniques in research studies. Applied and Computational Engineering, 57(1), 141–145. https://doi.org/10.54254/2755-2721/57/20241324
Weckesser, A., & Denny, E. (2022). BJOG perspectives – qualitative research: Analyzing data and rigour. BJOG: An International Journal of Obstetrics & Gynaecology, 129(8), 1406–1407. https://doi.org/10.1111/1471-0528.17148
Xu, L., Tong, Q., Zhang, X., Yu, T., Lian, X., Yu, T., … Li, F. (2023). Smartphone-based gamification intervention to increase physical activity participation among patients with coronary heart disease: A randomized controlled trial. Journal of Telemedicine and Telecare, 30(9), 1425–1436. https://doi.org/10.1177/1357633X221150943
Yang, L., Amin, O., & Shihada, B. (2024). Intelligent wearable systems: Opportunities and challenges in health and sports. ACM Computing Surveys, 56(7), 1–42. https://doi.org/10.1145/3648469
Yoluut, M. A., Ramadan, G., & Samin, G. (2024). The impact of digital devices on the mental and physical health of primary school children: Systematic review. Retos, 60, 974–980. https://doi.org/10.47197/retos.v60.109008
Zakharina, I. (2024). The use of mobile applications in wellness fitness by women in the first stage of adulthood. Bulletin of the Kamianets-Podilskyi National Ivan Ohiienko University: Physical Education, Sport and Human Health, 29(4), 209–215. https://doi.org/10.32626/2309-8082.2024-2
The works and papers that are published in this Journal are subject to the following terms:
1. The Publication Service of the University of Murcia (the publisher) has the Publication Rights (Copyright) to the published papers and works, and favors and permits the reusing of the same under the license indicated in point 2.
© Servicio de Publicaciones, Universidad de Murcia, 2013
2. The papers and works are to be published in the digital edition of the Journal under the license Creative Commons Reconocimiento-No Comercial-Sin Obra Derivada 3.0 España (legal text). The copying, using, spreading, transmitting and publicly displaying of the papers, works or publication are permitted as long as: i) the authors and original sources (Journal, publisher and URL of the publication) are quoted; ii) it is not used for commercial benefit; iii) the existence and specifications of this users license are mentioned.
3. Conditions of Self-Archiving. It is permitted and encouraged that the authors spread electronically the pre-print (before printing) and/or post-print (the revised, evaluated and accepted) versions of their papers or works before their publication since this favors their circulation and early diffusion and therefore can help increase their citation and quotation, and also there reach through the academic community.
The works and papers that are published in this Journal are subject to the following terms:
1. The Publication Service of the University of Murcia (the publisher) has the Publication Rights (Copyright) to the published papers and works, and favors and permits the reusing of the same under the license indicated in point 2.
© Servicio de Publicaciones, Universidad de Murcia, 2013
2. The papers and works are to be published in the digital edition of the Journal under the license Creative Commons Reconocimiento-No Comercial-Sin Obra Derivada 3.0 España (legal text). The copying, using, spreading, transmitting and publicly displaying of the papers, works or publication are permitted as long as: i) the authors and original sources (Journal, publisher and URL of the publication) are quoted; ii) it is not used for commercial benefit; iii) the existence and specifications of this users license are mentioned.
3. Conditions of Self-Archiving. It is permitted and encouraged that the authors spread electronically the pre-print (before printing) and/or post-print (the revised, evaluated and accepted) versions of their papers or works before their publication since this favors their circulation and early diffusion and therefore can help increase their citation and quotation, and also there reach through the academic community.
