THE DOUBLE-EDGED SWORD: SWIPE, ORDER, REGRET? THE HIDDEN TOLL OF FOOD DELIVERY APPS ON STUDENT HEALTH AND GRADES

Abstract

The proliferation of Online Food Delivery (OFD) applications has redefined the consumer landscape within university campuses. While offering unprecedented convenience, these platforms present a "double-edged sword" for students balancing tight budgets and academic pressures. This study investigates the socio-demographic determinants and perceived outcomes of OFD app usage among 200 stratified hostel residents at the University of Agriculture, Faisalabad (UAF). Using a quantitative descriptive design and Chi-square bivariate analysis, the research identifies significant associations between gender, education level, and the perceived impact on budget and physical health. Results indicate that female students and Bachelor-level students are significantly more likely to perceive a negative impact on their financial stability (p<0.05). Furthermore, a statistically significant association was found between education level and perceived physical health outcomes (p=0.003), suggesting that higher awareness among advanced-degree students correlates with greater concern regarding dietary quality. Conversely, the field of study showed no significant bearing on health perceptions (p=0.860). These findings highlight the need for targeted interventions that address the socio-economic vulnerabilities of the student populace within digital food environments.

Keywords:​ Online Food Delivery; University Students; Socioeconomic Factors; Perceived Health; Consumer Behavior; Pakistan.