“Excessive Use of Device Technologies and It’s Repercussions on the Mental

Health of Students”

A Research Paper
Presented to the Faculty of
College of Engineering, Architecture and Fine Arts
BATANGAS STATE UNIVERSITY
Alangilan, Batangas City

In Partial Fulfillment
Of the Requirements
in Mathematics in the Modern World

Anonuevo, Clarence Jude

Lumalang, Carl John D.
Ricalde, Jaica Ann M.
Sambat, Jenny
Sapaden, Jobert

2022
 CHAPTER I
The Problem and it’s Background

1.1 Background of the Study

Mental health is at great risk when students are utilizing technology. Students'
energy levels, attention, dependability, mental ability, and optimism can all be
affected by mental health issues, resulting in poor performance. It also influences
how we deal with tension, interact with others, and make decisions. Mental health
includes our emotional, psychological, and social well-being. It is critical at all stages
of life, including childhood, adolescence, and adulthood. It has an effect on the way
we think, feel, and act.
Students are at great risk when it comes to excessive use of technology. Students'
increased use of online technologies has shaped their sense of connectedness and
learning in a variety of ways. We all know that in an educational setting, technology
will help teachers and students develop more adaptive and democratic teaching and
learning styles, give students more autonomy and control over their learning, and
promote the development of cognitive skills and comprehension. But technology is
becoming a widespread problem, especially among younger populations such as
teenagers. Substantiate the use of ICTs as an emotional coping mechanism over
time can have a detrimental impact on your mental health and/or exacerbate mental
health predispositions. Depression, low self-esteem, and isolation have all been
attributed to it. These are the symptoms that frequently lead to diagnosable
psychiatric disorders and the worsening of pre-existing problems.
After hearing both sides of the argument, the researchers want to know the further
cause of this problem while making use of technology to students. As well as to
demonstrate how technology can have a negative impact on a student's academic
performance and motivation. Furthermore, to gain a better understanding of what
patterns of technology and social-media use can have negative consequences as
well as to support evidence-based practices to policy, education, and legislation.
The researchers are inspired to perform a research study about the repercussions of
technology to the mental health of students to prove that the students’ mental health
is at great risk when it comes to technology. These data can then be used to
empower students through providing them with actionable insights into behavioral
patterns that would otherwise have gone unnoticed.

1.2 Statement of the Problem

The study entitled “Excessive Use of Device Technologies and It’s Repercussions
on the Mental Health of Students” is about to conduct to comprehend the risks of
excessive use of technology in the mental health of students.
Specifically, this study aims to answer the following questions:
1. What are the mental health issues of students brought by the technology?
2. How can the mental health issues affect the students' academic performance?
3. What forms of intervention can be done to prevent students from experiencing
mental health issues?

CHAPTER II
Review of Related Literature and Studies
The aim of this chapter is to review related literature and studies in the repercussions
of technology to the mental health of students. This includes the ideas, finished
studies, generalizations and others. Those that were included succor and support
the study that the researchers will be conducting. All of these are relevant and
necessary for the study's formation and completion.
2.1 Related Literature

Local
Effects of technology to the mental health of students
According to (Merlin, 2015) computer technology is now widely used in education.
Therefore, he conducted a research to know if technology can affect students’
attitude. And as a result of his study, the students have a slightly negative feeling
towards computers but have positive behavior when doing computer activities and
have positive beliefs and thought about computers.

Factors that contribute to the mental health problems of students

Stated by (Arceo, 2019) There may be factors contributing to mental health problems
such as biological factors and life experiences, however, among these factors, urban
built environment is repeatedly found to be the very significant factor in the
psychogenesis of mental illnesses. So as a researcher and problem solver in her
study, she thinks to propose an urban street network’s design through environmental
affordances that promote positive mental health in urban built environment.

Possible intervention to prevent the mental health issues

Stated by (Soriano, 2019) with the newly signed Mental Health Act and the current
surge in mental health awareness, the Philippines now has the opportunity to
improve its mental health system. His thesis aims to design an integrated
community-based center for different levels of mental health that benefits both the
mentally ill and the general public that supports mental healing and development of
well-being through an immersive community setting, rehabilitative and transitional
experience, and stress-free environment.

Foreign
Effects of technology to the mental health of students
According to a study by (Emma, 2019) Students’ behavior was linked to a 25%
higher likelihood of being depressed. Simple activities, like a short walk or a small
workout, are just as important to physical health as to mental health. At the same
time as teens’ tendency towards sedentary behavior has increased, physical
education in schools has decreased. Due to academic pressure and rigorous testing
requirements, physical education classes have become less prominent.

Possible Interventions in Reducing Anxiety and Depression due to Technology

As stated by (Robinson and Smith 2020) According to a 2018 University of
Pennsylvania study, limiting social media use to 30 minutes per day reduced anxiety,
depression, loneliness, sleep problems, and FOMO significantly (Fear of Missing
Out). However reducing our time spent on social media by 30 minutes per day may
not be a big achievement for many of us, we can still benefit from doing so. For the
most part, this entails restricting our smartphone usage. To be stress free, we all
need the companionship of friends and family. Find time each week to communicate
with friends and family offline.

Effects of technology to the students’ academic performance

According to (Eisenberg, 2020) Mental health problems can affect a student's energy
level, concentration, dependability, mental ability, and optimism, hindering
performance. Research suggests that depression is associated with lower grade
point averages, and that co-occurring depression and anxiety can increase this
association. Depression has also been linked to dropping out of school.
Many college students report that mental health difficulties interfere with their
studies. On the American College Health Association survey, college students
identified the following mental health issues as negatively impacting their academic
performance within the last 12 months.

According to (IBCCES , 2019) Anxiety and depression are two of the most common
obstacles teens and young adults face and it’s beginning to take a serious toll in the
classroom. Every year more cases of anxiety and depression are reported in children
and teens. 1 in every 8 children has anxiety, according to the Anxiety and
Depression Association of America (ADAA). While there are treatments for anxiety
and depression, 80% of children with an anxiety disorder and 60% of children with
depression are not receiving treatment. Depression and anxiety affect all areas of an
individual’s well-being including sleep, diet, mental and physical health, self-esteem,
social interaction and academic performance. Students who have these disorders
are at risk of suffering from poor academic performance and resistance to anything
school-related. This can include lack of engagement in the classroom, poor
relationships with peers and teachers, and disinterest in pursuing passions and
planning for the future. Their learning is also affected due to the fact that anxiety and
depression can impact the working memory, which makes it challenging to retain
new information and recall previously learned information. Anxiety and depression
negatively influence academic progress and encourage under-achievement.
Students with a high level of anxiety score lower on IQ and achievement test than
their peers.

2.2 Related Studies

Local
Factors that contribute to the mental health problems of students
According to (Miguel, 2020) Many schools are opening back up, with
new guidelines and a new way of doing school. Whether a student is a child in
elementary school, a young adult in college, or in-between in middle or high school,
there are many concerns people are having. Not just physical health concerns,
either. The mental health impact the pandemic is having on students can lead to
several issues. Some students may believe it’s something that is only dangerous for
older folks, there are other students who may worry about spreading it to a relative,
or students who have read stories about people their age dying from the
virus. Because of this, anxiety is at an all-time high. For some, it comes in the form of
dread in the back of one’s mind. For others, it’s at the forefront. Some students may
be unable to sleep because of it, which can lead to more mental health problems. 

Threatening effects of technology to every individual

As stated by (Gomez, 2019) the Internet, being easily accessible, can be a
dangerous place. She said that students who spend most of their time online can be
vulnerable to social media bullying, illegal gambling, online dating, and even human
trafficking. She also cited how “computer addiction” has negatively affected some
students’ academic performance, scholarship commitments, and family
relationships. Atty. Eleno O. Peralta, director of OSA, in his welcome remarks,
reminded concerned individuals and professionals to be ready to address mental
health concerns that result from the students’ exposure to cyberspace and social
media. In his message, Chancellor Sanchez cited the 2015 study in the Global
Burden of Disease, which reported that 3.3 million Filipinos are suffering from mental
health issues, particularly depressive disorders. He underscored the importance of
discussing mental health issues and raising awareness about it amid the stigma that
is associated with it. She also asked the audience for relevant topics that HOPE may
pursue in the succeeding forum.   

Possible intervention to prevent the mental health issues

According to (Hechanova M. R., 2014 ) The U&G theory recognizes the salient role
of users in the consumption of mass media. Initially developed to explain radio
consumption, the theory has since been applied to TV, magazines, mobile media
and most recently the Internet (Lim and Ting, 2012). The goal of the U&G Theory is
to explain and understand the psychological needs that shape media use behavior
and identify the positive and negative consequences of media use. The U&G theory
makes five assumptions, the first of which is related to human agency. It assumes
that the users are active – they deliberately use media to achieve a goal. The second
assumption is that people makes motivated choices based on their previous
experience with a given medium. It assumes that people select and use media that
satisfy their needs and desires and that media competes with other sources of need
satisfaction. Finally, and most relevant to this study, it assumes that media users’
orientations are culture-bound and thus usage patterns may be different depending
on context. There have been a number of typologies using the U&G paradigm that
have emerged in the past decades. The typologies range from five to nine categories
and include: entertainment, pass time, interpersonal utility, information seeking,
convenience (Papacharissi and Rubin, 2000); entertainment, affection, relaxation,
fashion, inclusion, sociability, escape (Leung, 2001); problem solving, persuading
others, relationship maintenance, status seeking, and personal insight (Flanagin and
Metzger, 2001); entertainment, social interaction, information, convenience (Ko et
al., 2005); entertainment, escapism, habit, pass time, surveillance, news quizzes
(Diddi and LaRose, 2006); coolness, sights and sounds, career, and peer identity
factors (Charney and Greenberg, 2001); and entertainment, search factor, cognitive
factor, news, unique factors (Stafford and Stafford, 2001). A study of user-generated
media found that Internet users who utilize sites such as YouTube, MySpace, and
Wikipedia in order to fulfill their information, entertainment, and mood management
needs; to enhance social connections and virtual communities; and for self-
expression and self-actualization (Shao, 2008).

Students who suffer from mental health problems

According to (DOST-PCHRD, 2020) disorders were seen in about half of the study
participants (Grades 1-5), with elevated panic symptoms (46%) and obsessive-
compulsive symptoms (60%); in terms of depression, about 24% reported elevated
to quite elevated levels of functional issues. Among adolescents in grades 7-12, 40%
had moderate to extreme generalized anxiety, 36% had moderate to severe social
anxiety, 31% had provisional post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), 49% had
moderate to severe depression, 54 percent had intentionally harmed themselves at
least 5 times, and 17% had intentionally harmed themselves at least 10 times.
Among adults aged 20 and up, 6% had moderate to severe generalized anxiety, 2%
had moderate to severe social anxiety, 6% had provisional PTSD, 7% had moderate
to severe depression, and less than 1% had self-inflicted self-harm.

Foreign
Mental health issues brought by technology
According to (Vitelli, 2016), When their access to the technology is cut off for any
reason, they can experience a form of withdrawal as well as being unable to function
normally without regular online contact.   Researchers have also linked compulsive
Internet use to a range of mental health concerns including low self-
esteem, loneliness, depression, social phobia, and even suicidal thoughts. Spending
too much time on the Internet appears to predict later depression and other
emotional problems which, in turn, led to increased Internet use. Social phobia and
loneliness can lead to compulsive Internet use or whether other factors can explain
why compulsive Internet use can lead to mental health problems. Using the Internet
to escape real-life problems such as bullying or poor grades can often lead to greater
problems down the line. There was some indication that spending too much time
with instant messaging, or using Facebook and Twitter, can lead to mental health
problems, the risk seems highest for adolescents 

Scope of adverse effects of technology

According to (Ewumi, 2021) adults are not the only ones that suffer from the negative
use of technology, technology affects the mental health of children and teenagers
too because they spend a lot of time watching television, playing video games, and
using tech toys. He said that according to Dr. Saju Matthew a board-certified family
medicine physician, poor sleep can affect your mood by causing anxiety disorders
which weakens your body’s ability to fight diseases. Despite the fact that social
media links people, specifically students to the rest of the planet. Its extended use
will cause you to become estranged from your real-life family and friends. When you
compare your accomplishments to those of others, you will feel insufficient and
dissatisfied with your life. These negative feelings can make you feel depressed and
nervous, which can have a negative impact on your mood. These symptoms will
further increase someone’s addiction to social media and the cycle continues if not
addressed by medical help on time. Moreover, it can make someone angry,
aggressive, or distracted. Also, in a situation when suffering from cyberbullying or
doing crazy things to get likes and shares, there is need to re-access the usage of
social media. According to a study, using smartphones for extended hours can
cause problems in the nerves, joints, tendons around the shoulder and arm resulting
in musculoskeletal disorders. 

Involvement and risk caused by technology

As stated by (Johnson, 2020), Children who use technology excessively are more
likely to have problems like poor academic performance, inattention, low creativity,
poor sleep quality, delays in social and emotional growth, violent attitudes, and social
issues like social incompatibility and anxiety. In addition, a study of 15–16-year-olds
showed that those who used a lot of digital media had a higher risk of showing signs
of attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD). According to the authors of a 2015
study, technology tends to have a detrimental impact on the overall wellbeing of
children and adolescents of all ages.

Increase used of technology

In accordance with (Children's Bureau, 2019) , Technology has made it easier for
people to access information, assistance, and support, there are significant risks
associated with its increased use. Screen time and social media use by kids and
teenagers, in particular, have been related to an increase in the prevalence of mental
health issues. The influence of technology on children and teenagers can affect their
social skills, growth, and be related to a variety of other factors. According to
research, internet addiction is becoming a widespread problem, especially among
younger populations such as teenagers. It's been associated with depression, low
self-esteem, and isolation, all of which are signs that may lead to diagnosable mental
disorders or exacerbate pre-existing problems. Passive usage of social networking
platforms (like Instagram, Twitter, Snapchat, and Facebook) has been related to an
increased risk of depression. In terms of the connection between screen use and
both physical and mental health effects, multiple studies have shown that higher
levels of screen use in children and adolescents are linked to decreased physical
activity, increased depression risk, and lower well-being. Unfortunately, technology's
impact on children and adolescents are not only spreading to a wider population, but
they are also proving to be long-lasting. To put this into context, about 50%  of all
lifelong mental illness cases begin when people are 14 years old, and 75% begins
when they are 24 years old.

Possible prevention for mental health issues

According to (Rink, 2020) there are a variety of technology solutions available to help
teachers support their students’ mental health. With these apps, software, and digital
tools, educators can help students develop healthy coping techniques and learn how
to better understand and communicate their emotions. Wellness & Meditation Apps,
using wellness and meditation apps can be a great way for all students especially
those with anxiety or attention disorders––to learn healthy relaxation techniques.
Digital Monitoring Software, to combat this, many companies such
as Gaggle and GoGuardian have created student monitoring software that constantly
monitors students’ school accounts for mentions of mental health situations or
potential self-harm. Anonymous Backchannel Tools, A big part of supporting
students’ mental health is making sure that all students feel heard in the classroom
and beyond. Digital SEL Programs, SEL is the process through which students learn
about and implement positive emotional habits and responsible relationships. Online
Support Groups, Students are often embarrassed or afraid to talk to others about
their mental health struggles. 

2.3 Synthesis
The effects of technology to the mental health students is growing rapidly and
we can’t make it under control. According to (Eisenberg, 2020) Mental health
problems can affect a student's energy level, concentration, dependability, mental
ability, and optimism, hindering performance. Anxiety disorders were seen in about
half of the study participants (Grades 1-5), with elevated panic symptoms (46%) and
obsessive-compulsive symptoms (60%); in terms of depression, about 24% reported
elevated to quite elevated levels of functional issues as stated by (DOST-PCHRD,
2020).

With this, the effects have its positive and negative sides to the students. In
accordance with (Children's Bureau, 2019) , Technology has made it easier for
people to access information, assistance, and support, there are significant risks
associated with its increased use. But depression and anxiety affect all areas of an
individual’s well-being including sleep, diet, mental and physical health, self-esteem,
social interaction and academic performance. Students who have these disorders
are at risk of suffering from poor academic performance and resistance to anything
school-related.
Because of this effect, students have experienced depression, anxiety while
some became motivated. The Internet, being easily accessible, can be a dangerous
place. She said that students who spend most of their time online can be vulnerable
to social media bullying, illegal gambling, online dating, and even human trafficking
according to (Gomez, 2019).

On the other hand, technology can also affect a student’s behavior, as well their
academic performance. As stated by (Johnson, 2020), Children who use technology
excessively are more likely to have problems like poor academic performance,
inattention, low creativity, poor sleep quality, delays in social and emotional growth,
violent attitudes, and social issues like social incompatibility and anxiety. According
to the authors of a 2015 study, technology tends to have a detrimental impact on the
overall wellbeing of children and adolescents of all ages. Moreover, as stated by
(IBCCES , 2019) Their learning is also affected due to the fact that anxiety and
depression can impact the working memory, which makes it challenging to retain
new information and recall previously learned information. Anxiety and depression
negatively influence academic progress and encourage under-achievement.
Students with a high level of anxiety score lower on IQ and achievement test than
their peers.
Through all this, there is a possible intervention for this problem. According to
(Hechanova M. R., 2014 ) The U&G theory recognizes the salient role of users in the
consumption of mass media. Initially developed to explain radio consumption, the
theory has since been applied to TV, magazines, mobile media and most recently
the Internet.
The results of the other reviewed studies by the researcher presented a related
study to our research, wherein it will increase the credibility and reliability of our
research. Furthermore, it contains results that are identical or similar to those found
in other related studies.

References:
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student-progress/#certifications
Miguel, M. (2020, October 13). Mental Health Issues of Students During COVID-19.
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students-covid-19/
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