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2025-02-08

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Vol. 10 No. 1 (2025): Published

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How to Cite

Badri, M., Alkhaili, M., Aldhaheri, H., Yang, G., Yaaqeib, S., Albahar, M., … Mohamed, A. (2025). "Digital echoes: Investigating the impact of online time on happiness and well-being in abu dhabi". Environment and Social Psychology, 10(1). https://doi.org/10.59429/esp.v10i1.3241

"Digital echoes: Investigating the impact of online time on happiness and well-being in abu dhabi"

Masood Badri

Department of Community Development, Abu Dhabi, P O Box 30039, United Arab Emirates United Arab Emirates University, Al Ain, 110021, United Arab Emirates

Mugheer Alkhaili

Department of Community Development, Abu Dhabi, P O Box 30039, United Arab Emirates

Hamad Aldhaheri

Department of Community Development, Abu Dhabi, P O Box 30039, United Arab Emirates

Guang Yang

Department of Community Development, Abu Dhabi, P O Box 30039, United Arab Emirates

Saad Yaaqeib

Zayed University, College of Natural and Health Sciences, Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates

Muna Albahar

Department of Community Development, Abu Dhabi, P O Box 30039, United Arab Emirates United Arab Emirates University, Al Ain, 110021, United Arab Emirates

Asma Alrashdi

Department of Community Development, Abu Dhabi, P O Box 30039, United Arab Emirates

Alanood Mohamed

Bath University, UK


DOI: https://doi.org/10.59429/esp.v10i1.3241


Keywords: Wellbeing, happiness, digital, path analysis, Abu Dhabi

Abstract

This study examines the impact of online time on well-being among Abu Dhabi residents using data from the fourth Quality-of-Life Survey. Unlike prior studies, this research explores multiple determinants: online time, happiness, subjective health, mental health, self-perceived obesity, exercise, satisfaction with family life, and social relationships. A significant path model reveals that online time adversely affects mental health, self-perceived obesity, sleep quality, and exercise, but positively correlates with happiness and subjective health. The negative effects on mental health notably influence happiness, family life satisfaction, social relationships, subjective health, and exercise. Mental health also mediates these relationships, underscoring its importance in overall well-being. Differences in online hours and well-being determinants are found across gender, age, education, nationality, and marital status. The study underscores the need for interventions to mitigate the adverse effects of excessive online time and improve well-being across demographic groups.

Author Biography

Masood Badri, Department of Community Development, Abu Dhabi, P O Box 30039, United Arab Emirates United Arab Emirates University, Al Ain, 110021, United Arab Emirates

Advisor to the Chairman – Department of Community Development (Since August 2019)

Head of Research & Planning – Abu Dhabi Department of Education & Knowledge (2009 - 2019)

Advisor – General Secretariat of the Executive Council of Abu Dhabi Government (December 2008 – January 2009)

 

Professor – UAE University (PhD from University of Mississippi – Production & Operations Management); MBA University of San Diego; BS University of California, San Diego (Applied Mechanics)

Published more than 180 research papers in scholarly international academic journals. Recently, I have concentrated on quality of life (well-being) research.

Leading the design & development of the Quality-of-Life survey in Abu Dhabi

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