Cebeci F., Akay O., Meydan S., Arslankoç S., Bolat G. B., Şahin D. S., ...More
FRONTIERS IN PUBLIC HEALTH, vol.14, pp.1-12, 2026 (SCI-Expanded, SSCI, Scopus)
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Publication Type:
Article / Article
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Volume:
14
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Publication Date:
2026
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Doi Number:
10.3389/fpubh.2026.1830212
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Journal Name:
FRONTIERS IN PUBLIC HEALTH
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Journal Indexes:
Scopus, Science Citation Index Expanded (SCI-EXPANDED), Social Sciences Citation Index (SSCI), EMBASE, MEDLINE, Psycinfo, Directory of Open Access Journals
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Page Numbers:
pp.1-12
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Azerbaijan State University of Economics (UNEC) Affiliated:
Yes
Abstract
Adolescents are increasingly exposed to climate-related content in digital environments; however, the psychological mechanisms underlying eco-anxiety in the context of problematic digital engagement remain insufficiently understood. This study examined the association between digital addiction and eco-anxiety and explored the mediating role of hopelessness in this relationship. The sample consisted of 3,561 high school students in Türkiye (56.4% female). Participants completed the Digital Addiction Scale for Teenagers, the Eco-Anxiety Scale–High School Form, and the Beck Hopelessness Scale. Associations among variables were examined using correlation analysis, and the mediating role of hopelessness was tested using a regression-based approach with bootstrapping. Digital addiction was weakly associated with eco-anxiety but showed a stronger association with hopelessness, while hopelessness was positively related to eco-anxiety. In the mediation analysis, digital addiction was associated with higher hopelessness, and hopelessness was associated with higher eco-anxiety. When hopelessness was included in the model, the direct effect of digital addiction on eco-anxiety became non-significant, while the indirect effect remained significant, indicating full mediation. These findings suggest that digital addiction may contribute to eco-anxiety primarily by increasing future-oriented pessimism and a diminished sense of control among adolescents. Eco-anxiety also differed across several socio-demographic and digital exposure variables. From a conceptual perspective, eco-anxiety appears to emerge not only as a response to environmental threat awareness but also as a psychological experience shaped by cognitive and emotional vulnerabilities within digital contexts. However, the cross-sectional design of the study limits causal interpretations of the findings. Addressing future-oriented pessimism and perceived inefficacy, alongside strengthening digital media literacy and climate-related coping resources, may support adolescent psychological wellbeing in digitally mediated environments.