Digital Companionship, Emotion Dysregulation, Psychological Distress, and Career Confusion in University Students

Abstract

The growing use of digital technologies has changed the way university students communicate, seek support, and cope with everyday emotional challenges. Digital companions, including AI-based chatbots and other virtual conversational platforms, are increasingly being used for conversation, emotional support, and guidance. Although these technologies may provide a sense of connection, frequent reliance on digital companionship may also be linked with difficulties in managing emotions and psychological adjustment. The present study aims to examine the relationship between digital companionship, emotion dysregulation, psychological distress, and career confusion in university students. A quantitative, cross-sectional research design was employed. A sample of 600 university students from different universities was recruited through convenience sampling. Participants completed standardized measures assessing digital companionship, emotion dysregulation, psychological distress, and career confusion. Mediation analysis was conducted to examine the direct and indirect relationships among the study variables. The findings showed significant relationships among digital companionship, emotion dysregulation, psychological distress, and career confusion. The results further indicated that emotion dysregulation and psychological distress significantly sequentially mediated the relationship between digital companionship and career confusion, suggesting that difficulties in emotional regulation may contribute to psychological distress, which may subsequently increase uncertainty and confusion regarding career decisions. These findings highlight the psychological implications of emerging forms of digital companionship for university students and suggest the need for greater attention to healthy digital engagement, emotional regulation, psychological well-being, and career counselling within university settings.