University students’ perceptions of sustainability and ecological footprint in the use of digital leisure

Abstract

The paper explores the impact of digital transformation on young people’s interaction with digital leisure and its ecological footprint. The study highlights the increasing awareness of ecological sustainability in digital consumption among university students. It also delves into the concept of emotional sustainability, a term proposed to address the psychological and emotional effects of digital entertainment consumption. The digitalization of leisure has led to significant changes, including the rise in digital dependency, anxiety disorders, and the dehumanization of human relationships. The paper underscores the need for emotional sustainability in managing digital leisure to mitigate these negative consequences. Additionally, it discusses students’ awareness of the ecological footprint associated with digital activities, pointing out gaps in knowledge regarding the environmental impact of maintaining digital infrastructure. The authors advocate for integrating emotional sustainability into digital consumption practices to promote healthier and more sustainable digital lifestyles. This exploratory study provides a framework for understanding the dual aspects of sustainability in digital leisure, emphasizing the importance of both ecological and emotional dimensions in fostering a balanced and sustainable digital future. This context has generated needs that must be addressed from the perspective of the emotional sustainability of digital entertainment consumption.