Rethinking Cognitive and Affective Gains In Digital Contexts: An Experimental Study on Digital Well-Being

The study examined how digital engagement shapes well-being. Participants (N = 114) were randomly assigned to hedonic streaming, learning, or self-expression tasks. Streaming unexpectedly improved cognitive and social well-being; expression enhanced affective well-being; learning had no effects. Findings challenge the active–passive use dichotomy and underscore user intent in digital well-being.