Does perceived impact moderate the relationship between screen time; sleep? (Preprint)

<sec> <title>UNSTRUCTURED</title> <p>The study argues that perceived impact—students’ beliefs about how screens affect their well‑being—meaningfully shapes the link between daily screen time and sleep duration. In a sample of 50 adolescents and young adults, participants reported their average screen exposure, typical nightly sleep, and personal beliefs about whether screen use is harmful, neutral, or beneficial. The core finding is that perceived impact acts as a significant moderator: the relationship between screen time and sleep is not uniform but depends on what individuals believe about screens.</p> </sec>