Digital Burnout as a Psychological Risk Factor for Loneliness in Generation Z: The Mediating Function of Self-Esteem

Authors

  • Mira Wahyu Kusumawati Politeknik Negeri Indramayu
  • Wenny Nugrahati Carsita Jurusan Kesehatan, Politeknik Negeri Indramayu
  • Muhammad Ichsan Basir Jurusan Kesehatan, Politeknik Negeri Indramayu
  • Elok Faradisa Fakultas Keperawatan, Universitas Jember, Indonesia
  • Amin Aji Budiman Fakultas Keperawatan, Universitas Jember, Indonesia

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.35960/vm.v18i3.2203

Keywords:

Digital Burnout, Loneliness, Self Esteem, Gen Z

Abstract

Background: Adolescents aged 15–17 years, often classified as Generation Z, are considered vulnerable to mental health problems because they are in a developmental transition from childhood to adulthood. Gen Z typically has high social media use, which may reduce opportunities for direct face-to-face interaction. Objective: This study aimed to examine the association between digital burnout and loneliness, with self-esteem as a potential mediator. Methods: This study employed a path analysis design. The study was conducted at SMAN 1 Sliyeg, Indramayu Regency, Indonesia. Participants were selected using purposive sampling with the following inclusion criteria: students aged 15–18 years, not currently using psychotropic medication, willing to participate, and able to read and write. Data were collected using a demographic questionnaire, the UCLA Loneliness Scale, and the Rosenberg Self-Esteem Scale (RSES). Results: Path analysis indicated that digital burnout significantly contributed to higher loneliness, while self-esteem showed a significant protective association with lower loneliness among Gen Z adolescents (p < 0.05). Conclusion: Digital burnout may influence loneliness directly; however, the mediating role of self-esteem requires further confirmation based on the full mediation pathway.

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Published

2026-03-01

How to Cite

Kusumawati, M. W., Carsita , W. N., Basir , M. I., Faradisa, E., & Budiman, A. A. (2026). Digital Burnout as a Psychological Risk Factor for Loneliness in Generation Z: The Mediating Function of Self-Esteem. Viva Medika: Jurnal Kesehatan, Kebidanan Dan Keperawatan, 19(1), 1–8. https://doi.org/10.35960/vm.v18i3.2203

Issue

Vol. 19 No. 1 (2026)

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Articles

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Copyright (c) 2025 Mira Wahyu Kusumawati, Wenny Nugrahati Carsita , Muhammad Ichsan Basir , Elok Faradisa, Amin Aji Budiman (Author)

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