Mengubeinuo Solo
Nagaland University.
Imlimenla N. Longkumer, Imlibenla Longkumer, Hriidziio Khrasi
Kohima, Nagaland.
Nouzhienino Peseyie
Tetso College, Sovima
Pages:125-133
Adolescents today are increasingly immersed in digital environments, yet the effects
of excessive use on their emotional development remain poorly understood, particularly
in semi-urban Indian contexts. The present study examines how excessive digital media
use correlates with emotional maturity among high school students in Kohima, Nagaland.
A quantitative, cross-sectional correlational design was used with a convenience
purposive sample of 313 students (aged 13-18) from grades 9 to 12, using the Emotional
Maturity Scale (EMS-SB) and the Digital Media Overuse Scale (dMOS). Data were
analysed using Pearson correlation and simple linear regression. Results showed a
strong, statistically significant negative correlation between digital media overuse and
emotional maturity (r = -.805, p < .001). Linear regression indicated that digital overuse
predicted 64.9% of the variance in emotional maturity scores (R² = .649), with a significant
negative unstandardised coefficient (B = -0.82, p < .001). Higher digital media overuse
predicted lower emotional maturity. The results emphasise the need for organised
support networks to help teenagers develop mindful screen habits and improved emotion
regulation. The study adds nuance to existing research on how digital environments
shape emotional growth, underscoring moderation during adolescence.