FM4 and Danube University Krems: Reduce your smartphone for more well-being!

FM4 and Danube University Krems: Reduce your smartphone for more well-being!

Krems, Österreich - FM4 and the Danube University Krems have now launched the “FM4 screentime challenge <2”. The aim of the initiative is to reduce the daily screen time to less than two hours to examine the effects on the well -being of the participants. Registration for the Challenge runs from April 11 to May 4, 2025, the self -experiment begins on May 11th and lasts three weeks. During this time, the participants will track their cell phone use and fill out questionnaires.

The scientific support of the study takes place by the Donau University Krems. FM4 will provide weekly updates, tips and exchange options. Prior studies have already shown that a daily screen time of less than two hours can significantly improve well -being. In particular, a current study in the BMC Medicine journal under the direction of Univ.-Prof. Dr. Christoph Pieh proves that a reduction in smartphone use is associated with significant improvements in mental health.

Positive effects of reducing screentime

The study, which was carried out in a randomized controlled form, shows that participants who reduced their use to a maximum of two hours a day experienced a drastic improvement in their mental health after three weeks. Under the results there was a decline in depressive symptoms by 27 %, a decrease in stress by 16 % and an increase in sleep quality by 18 %. The general well -being of the participants also improved by 14 %.

However, the investigation also pointed out that the positive effects of the reduction were not permanent after the end of the intervention phase; The screen time increased again and with it the psychological symptoms. Experts emphasize the challenge of achieving sustainable changes in usage behavior. The initiative of the FM4 Screentime Challenge aims to raise awareness of digital attention economy and to promote sustainable changes in behavior.

challenges for young people

The need for action is underlined by current WHO data, according to which 11 % of young people show signs of problematic behavior in relation to social media. In particular, girls are affected more often, with 13 % compared to 9 % in boys. 36 % of young people are constantly in contact with friends online, with 44 % of the 15-year-old girls concerned. Problematic use of social media is associated with addiction -like symptoms, lack of sleep and negative effects on daily life.

who representatives emphasize the need for media literacy and require suitable measures such as age restrictions for social media. Dr. Hans Henri P. Kluge emphasizes that interventional approaches should be adapted to age, gender -sensitive and culturally. In an increasingly digital world, it is crucial that parents and schools have an open dialogue about digital well -being.

The registration for the FM4 Screentime Challenge can be made on the website of the Donau University Krems: www.donau-uni.ac.at/psymed/digitaldetox . It remains to be hoped that this initiative can not only bring about a short -term improvement in the well -being of the participants, but also adds long -term behavioral changes.

For further information on the study and the psychological effects of the smartphone usage, we refer to the reports of OTS , Donau University Krems and the Who .