Intensity of Gadgets Usage for Achieving Prime Social and Cognitive Health of Adolescents During the COVID-19 Pandemic

Abstract

Before the COVID-19 pandemic, studies in 2018 and 2019 recommended limiting the use of gadgets by adolescents to 3-4 hours a day because prolonged use can interfere with learning and cognition related activities. The use of gadgets also needs to be limited so that adolescents are more productive in using their time, and have social interactions with their environment. The participants of this study were 1,277 vocational school students and teachers in three cities namely Salatiga, Belitung, and Manado. Data were collected through questionnaires, observations, and interviews. However, during the time COVID-19 pandemic, there was a change in the pattern and intensity of the use of gadgets by adolescents. This caused changes in the postulate boundaries of the use of gadgets that are considered normal. This change is caused by student and teacher learning activities. Among these is the use of learning facilities through various types of video conferencing. During the COVID-19 pandemic, adolescents become used to doing online learning for 3-4 hours a day. In addition, the use of gadgets for other activities such as playing games, browsing, and other activities continues. Thus, based on additional field findings and studies from other sources, this study found that the use of gadgets by adolescents for up to 8 hours a day during the COVID-19 pandemic is recommended.