# Gendered Social Construction of Adolescent Health Practices Through Digital Detox and Physical Activity

## TL;DR

This study explores how digital detox and physical activity affect adolescent health, with a focus on gender differences and social norms.

## Contribution

The study introduces a gendered perspective on how digital detox and physical activity influence adolescent health practices.

## Key findings

- Female students reported higher engagement in digital detox practices.
- Male students showed greater participation in physical activity and higher health efficacy.
- Digital detox significantly improved health habits, but physical activity effects were not significant.

## Abstract

Background: Despite growing concerns about the impact of excessive digital media use on adolescents’ health, few studies have examined how digital detox practices and physical activity interact to influence it, particularly from a gender perspective. Purpose: This study investigated the effects of digital detox and physical activity on adolescents’ health habits, focusing on gender differences and sociocultural implications. Methods: In February 2025, a self-reported survey was conducted among 652 adolescents (mean age = 15.6, SD = 1.4) residing in Seoul, South Korea, using a quota sampling method. The survey measured four domains: demographic characteristics, digital detox practices, physical activity, and perceptions of health habit improvement. Results: Gender-based analyses revealed that female students reported higher engagement in digital detox practices, whereas male students showed greater participation in physical activity and higher levels of health efficacy. Digital detox had a significant positive effect on adolescents’ health habit improvement; however, its effect on physical activity and the effect of physical activity on health habit improvement were not statistically significant. Conclusions: These findings suggest that the complex interplay among digital engagement, physical activity, and gender-based social norms shapes adolescents’ health behaviors. To effectively improve adolescent health, strategies should be tailored to address sociocultural dynamics and gender-specific needs and experiences.