Original Article Media, Technology Use, and Attitudes: Associations With Physical and Mental Well-Being in Youth With Implications for Evidence-Based Practice Nadine Zeeni, PhD • Rita Doumit, RN, MPH, PhD • Joelle Abi Kharma, MS, LD • Maria-Jose Sanchez-Ruiz, PhD Keywords technology, social media, well-being, mental health, body image, eating disorders, trait emotional intelligence, healthy eating, depression, anxiety ABSTRACT Background: Previous research has shown that the use of technology and media, in their dif- ferent available forms, may have detrimental effects on the physical and mental well-being of adolescents and young adults. Aims: The present study aimed to investigate the use of different types of technology and media, attitudes toward them, and how they relate to physical and mental well-being in Lebanese university students. Methods: A descriptive, correlational, cross-sectional design was used. A sample of 244 under- graduates completed a self-report measuring media and technology use and attitudes, eating- related variables (e.g., healthy eating, body image dissatisfaction [BID], and eating disorders [EDs] risk), trait emotional intelligence (TEI), and psychopathology indicators (stress, anxiety, and depression). Results: The use of mobile phone multimedia (music, pictures, and videos) correlated with un- healthy eating and stress. Social media use was associated with BID, EDs risk, and the self-control construct of TEI. Anxiety of separation from technological devices and dependence on them was associated with increased BID, EDs risk, depression, and anxiety. Linking Evidence to Action: Practical implications are discussed in terms of setting limits and boundaries on technology use during childhood and adolescence, and encouraging healthy eating and physical activity at home and on college campuses. Moreover, social media could be used as a platform for intervention and prevention programs to decrease BID, EDs, depression, and anxiety. BACKGROUND Information and communication technology has greatly im- proved the living standards of people around the world. How- ever, the time people spend on their smartphones, on social networking sites (SNSs), behind their computer screens, play- ing video games, or simply watching TV may have significant effects on their physical and mental health (Dalky, Al Momani, Al-Drabaah, & Jarrah, 2017). Many systematic reviews have been conducted to synthesize current empirical research on the effects of media and technol- ogy among young people, revealing evidence of both beneficial and harmful effects. In one review, the benefits of using online technologies were reported as increased self-esteem, perceived social support, increased social capital, safe identity experimen- tation, and increased opportunity for self-disclosure. The harm- ful effects were reported as increased exposure to harm, social isolation, depression, and cyber-bullying (Best, Manktelow, & Taylor, 2014). Another review highlighted the potential for ad- diction and the detrimental effects of excessive use on health, such as quality of sleep, body composition, mental well-being, and engaging in risky sexual behaviors, while also reporting the tremendous potential for technology use to promote adolescent health (Bilgrami, McLaughlin, Milanaik, & Adesman, 2017). Likewise, a recent review by Marchant et al. (2017) showed that self-harm or suicidal behavior was particularly associated with Internet addiction, high levels of Internet use, and Web sites with self-harm or suicide content. Conversely, it was discussed that Internet use has the potential for isolation reduction and outreach, and may be a source of help and therapy. Weight-Related Correlates of Technology Use and Attitudes Increased technology use may lead to unhealthy eating habits. In a recent study conducted in Jordan, a higher intake of Worldviews on Evidence-Based Nursing, 2018; 0:0, 1–8. 1 C  2018 Sigma Theta Tau International