Digital Sedentarism: A Qualitative Review in the Dominican Republic

Abstract

Digital sedentary lifestyle has become a worldwide public health concern, with a particularly alarming impact on adolescents, whose physical and mental health is compromised by the prolonged use of electronic devices. This study, developed from a qualitative approach and under a documentary analysis strategy, allowed us to critically explore this phenomenon in the Dominican context. The technique used was the literature review, through which specialized sources indexed in academic databases such as Scopus, Redalyc, SciELO, Google Scholar and Dialnet were consulted, which guaranteed access to rigorous and updated information. These sources allowed the construction of an interpretative framework that reveals a direct correlation between the excessive use of digital technologies and increased physical inactivity, with consequences such as obesity, musculoskeletal disorders, anxiety, sleep disturbances and other mental health problems. The findings reinforce the urgency of designing public policies that promote healthy habits, reduce screen exposure time, and promote a culture of responsible use of technology. The importance of intervening from the educational, health and family sectors to reverse this trend and ensure the overall wellbeing of the population, especially at an early age, is evident.