Did COVID-19 Trigger a Digital Epidemic? An Exploratory Study in Adolescents

Background: This study aims to investigate the usage pattern of gadgets during the COVID-19 pandemic and its potential long-term consequences.

Materials & Methods: Observational cross-sectional study. This design is helpful for public health planning, monitoring, and evaluation of demographically diverse populations of varied age groups, socioeconomic status, religion, etc. The research gathered information on participants' demographic characteristics, gadget usage patterns, and reasons behind the increased reliance on gadgets. Additionally, questions were asked to gain deeper insights into participants' subjective experiences and perceptions regarding gadget usage during the pandemic. Multi-stage random sampling was done. One thousand one hundred fifty-five students were recruited from diverse geographic locations and demographic backgrounds. The study instrument used was a pretested, validated questionnaire. Field investigators collected the data after taking informed consent from participants. Data were compiled and analysed using SPSS 23.

Results: A substantial increase in gadget usage during the COVID-19 pandemic was found in this study. Participants reported heightened dependency on gadgets for remote learning, virtual social interactions, recreation or seeking information, etc. Factors such as social isolation, restrictions on physical activities, and the need for constant connectivity contributed to the surge in gadget usage. However, excessive screen time and digital fatigue were noted as negative consequences of this increased reliance.

Conclusions: The study highlights the unprecedented rise in gadget usage during the COVID-19 pandemic and its multifaceted implications. While gadgets have played a crucial role in facilitating remote work and maintaining social connections, excessive reliance on them challenges to individuals' well-being. It is crucial to develop strategies to address the potential negative consequences, such as promoting digital well-being and finding a balance between virtual and offline activities. Further research is warranted to examine the long-term effects of increased gadget usage on mental health, social interactions, and overall quality of life.