The Dual-Edged Sword: The Integrated Influence of Mindfulness and Digital Detention on Mental Health and Procrastination in Generation Z

Generation Z is navigating profound challenges defined by an unprecedented mental health crisis, reporting the highest rates of stress, anxiety, and depression among age groups. As the first true digital natives, they grapple with the dual-edged sword of technology, where constant connection and social media exposure contribute to feelings of inadequacy and isolation. By investigating this integrated influence, this research aims to disentangle how engaging in mindfulness practices might mitigate the negative mental health and behavioral outcomes associated with pervasive digital engagement. The research study comprises 120 participants (60 male & 60 female). Data was collected through Smartphone Addiction Scale – Short Version (SAS-SV) devised by Kwon et al., Mindful Attention Awareness Scale (MAAS) prepared by Brown & Ryan, Mental Health Quotient Scale prepared by Jennifer Jane Newson, and Tara C. Thiagarajan, and Tuckman Procrastination Scale (TPS) devised by Tuckman. Cross-Sectional Quantitative Survey was adopted. Obtained data was analysed using Mean, SD and Correlation. Results revealed that Smartphone addiction significantly predicts higher levels of academic procrastination in Generation Z students. Dispositional mindfulness significantly weakens the positive association between smartphone addiction and academic procrastination. Smartphone addiction robustly predicts increased stress, anxiety, and reduced psychological wellbeing. Dispositional mindfulness is significantly linked to lower stress, lower anxiety, and higher psychological wellbeing.