CHAPTER II

REVIEW OF RELATED LITERATURE

Conceptual Literature

Gadgets

In this fast-moving world, gadgets and electronic devices play an essential role; with the
help of science and technology, anything is possible in this world. Electronic gadgets are of
various types in the world of devices. The development of technology and information has
progressed very rapidly, marked by advances in the field of information and technology. The
current use of gadgets is undoubtedly supported by the development of communication and
information technology, one of which is the entry of the internet as an online era (Barianos et al.,
2022).

Gadgets can be used to develop thoughts, ideas, businesses and lifestyles of teenagers or
adults or people with special interests. On the contrary are not used as entertainment media, for
playing games, or watching an event online, online TV or YouTube for early childhood (Suzana
et al., 2020). For adults, technology is used to support various activities or their work. As for
children. this technology has a dual function (Kalogiannakis & Papadakis, 2017: 2020). From a
positive perspective, it can stimulate children's brain performance with various applications of
motor activities rarely found in everyday life (Kastriti et al., 2022). The negative side is that they
will always depend on technology resulting in the child being indifferent to the surrounding
environment and not understanding the various ethics and norms around him. So, saying hello or
talking to the surroundings is reduced. Many parents also complain that their children prefer to
play with gadgets than study. It affects children's learning outcomes (Mohammed, 2022). As
explained above, devices have an impact on children especially in the time of use for the long
term (Papadakis, 2018: 2021). Although most parents certainly understand the effects caused by
gadgets, parents still allow them to use them (Saruji et al., 2017).

Based on research, 29% of kids efficiently use modern gadgets, and 70% master them by
primary school age. Children’s continuous usage of gadgets has many adverse effects, such as
attention deficits, loss of focus, difficulty in learning, anxiety, etc. Thus, we need to understand
that technology and gadgets make our lives easier (Kritigashree, 2022).
Physical Health

Physical health is the well-being of the body and the proper functioning of the organism
of individuals, which is a normal condition for individuals of both physical, and mental condition
who are not suffering from any type of sickness. Traditionally, physical health might have been
understood as your physical body being free of disease or disability but as our healthcare has
improved and people have started living longer and living with many different conditions, this
definition has really evolved to reflect that concept. If to consider several definitions of physical
health of a person, it becomes clear that according to various authors this concept is usually
presented syncretically, while the scientific interpretation of this term says that health (WHO) is
a state of complete physical, mental and social well-being, but not just the absence of any
disease. Physical health is a dynamic state, the process of preserving and developing its
biological, physiological and mental functions, optimal work capacity and social activity with the
maximum life expectancy.

According to the Explanatory Dictionary of the Russian Language, physical health is a

normal state of properly functioning, undamaged organism. Other authors claim that physical
health is the result of a balance between the internal and external relations. In addition, it is noted
that physical health is a normal function of an organism at all levels, a normal course of
biological processes ensuring individual survival and reproduction, a dynamic balance of an
organism and its functions with the environment, participation in social activities and socially
useful work, a performance of basic social functions, absence of diseases, painful conditions and
changes, body's ability to adjust to constantly changing conditions of the external environment.
Besides, it is noted that physical health is the body's ability to adequately change its functional
indicators and maintain optimality in different conditions, which is the most typical criterion of
its norm. So, now the Physical health definition might be more focused on being able to live
comfortably to do the things that you want to do. The more accurate definition of physical health
could be ‘The ability to perform daily tasks and live comfortably in one’s body’ (Nishat, 2022).

According to the World Health Organization (WHO), children and adolescents should
accumulate at least 60 minutes of moderate- to vigorous-intensity physical activity per day.
Studies in different countries have demonstrated that physical inactivity and sedentary lifestyle
behaviors are common among adolescents, especially in low- and middle-income countries.
Thus, a global analysis reported that more than 80% of students between 11 and 17 years of age
were insufficiently physically active in 2016 (ie, <5 d of 60 min of moderate- to vigorous-
intensity physical activity), this being more common among girls than boys. Such estimates were
similar to those reported in an analysis of 34 mainly low- and middle-income countries
conducted between 2003 and 2007.

Gadgets and Physical Health

Social media and mobile devices may lead to psychological and physical issues, such as
eyestrain and difficulty focusing on important tasks. They may also contribute to more serious
health conditions, such as depression. The overuse of technology may have a more significant
impact on developing children and teenagers. Overuse or dependence on technology may have
adverse psychological effects, including isolation, depression and anxiety, and physical health
effects. Technologies, such as social media, are designed to bring people together, yet they may
have the opposite effect in some cases. A 2017 study in young adults aged 19–32 years found
that people with higher social media use were more than three times as likely to feel socially
isolated than those who did not use social media as often. The authors of a 2016 systematic
review Trusted Source discussed the link between social networks and mental health issues, such
as depression and anxiety. Their research found mixed results. People who had more positive
interactions and social support on these platforms appeared to have lower levels of depression
and anxiety. However, the reverse was also true. People who perceived that they had more
negative social interactions online and who were more prone to social comparison experienced
higher levels of depression and anxiety.

Technology use may increase the risk of physical issues as well, including eyestrain, poor
posture, and sleep problems. Technologies, such as handheld tablets, smartphones, and
computers, can hold a person’s attention for long periods which may lead to eyestrain.
Symptoms of digital eyestrain can include blurred vision and dry eyes. Eyestrain may also lead
to pains in other areas of the body, such as the head, neck, or shoulders.

The way many people use mobile devices and computers may also contribute to incorrect
posture. Over time, this may lead to musculoskeletal issues. Many technologies promote a “down
and forward” user position, meaning the person is hunched forward and looking down at the
screen. This can put an unnecessary amount of pressure on the neck and spine. A 5-year study in
the journal Applied Ergonomics found an association between texting on a mobile phone and
neck or upper back pain in young adults. The results indicated the effects were mostly short term,
though some people continued to have long-term symptoms. However, some studies challenge
these results. A 2018 study Trusted Source in the European Spine Journal found that the posture
of the neck while texting made no difference in symptoms such as neck pain. This study
concluded that texting and “text neck” did not influence neck pain in young adults. However, the
study did not include a long-term follow-up. It may be that other factors influence neck pain, as
well, such as age and activity levels.

Using technology too close to bedtime may cause issues with sleep. This effect has to do
with the fact that blue light, such as the light from cell phones, e-readers, and computers,
stimulates the brain. Authors of a 2014 study found that this blue light is enough to disturb the
body’s natural circadian rhythm. This disturbance could make it harder to fall asleep or lead to a
person feeling less alert the next day (Johnson, 2020).

Related Studies

Local Studies

Effects of Gadgets to the Health of Students

The study of Antigo and de Guzman (2018) found that the majority of the student-
respondents are female, relatively young Grade 8 high school students. The student obtained an
academic performance of approaching proficiency. The student always used different electronic
gadget primarily mobile/cellphones and computer. The usage of electronic gadgets do have
effects on students' family relationship, however seldom on students' health conditions and also
with students' study habits respectively. The study also reveals that there is no significant
difference on the effects on the use of electronic gadgets in terms of family relationships and
study habits when attributed to students' age, sex and grade level. However, there is significant
difference on the effects on the use of electronic gadgets in terms of health conditions when
attributed to students' grade level. Moreover, it was also found that there is negligible
relationship between the academic performance and the level of effects on the use of electronic
gadgets as to family relationships, health and study habits. In this study, parents are encouraged
to monitor their children in the use of electronic gadget; that the students are advised to take
advantage on the electronic gadget for educational purposes and can be sometimes use for
leisure.
Findings of the study of Decendario (2018) revealed that most of the respondents belongs
to the age bracket of 18-19 years old and mostly are females with parent’s monthly income of P
20,000-30,000 per month. The use of cellphones has highest usage among college students.
College students spend class assignments, class projects and personal matters to at least 4-5
hours a day. The use technological programs of MS word have the highest use among college
students. Social media, Internet, communication and multimedia paralleled in terms of highest
usage among college students. And Sleep-rest pattern has the highest problem among college
students. The researcher then recommends that there is a need to adapt the Short Course Program
on Health Implications of Technology and the need to the college students to prevent possible
health implications from over-usage of technology. There is a need to embed the Health
Implications on Technology Usage Program to the Personal Growth Session and teachers of the
Notre Dame of Dadiangas University may utilize other technology applications to create virtual
leaning and enhance teaching learning process to students. Lastly, future researchers may
evaluate the implementation of the Short Course Program on Health Implications of Technology
and conduct similar studies on the areas of technology addiction and academic performance
among college students.
 
Foreign Studies

Impact of Gadget Addiction on the Physical Health of Students

Society has always been worrying loss of control leading to lower emotional intelligence
indirectly deteriorating the academic and professional about the term "Drug Addiction" of our
youth but "Gadget Addiction" is a more critical area of concern in the present performance as
well as hampering their family life leading to life threatening problems in future. The results
showed that 72.5% of subjects had first gadget at 16-20 years and 90.5% were using smart
phones as a common gadget, of them, 50.2% were using for more than 7 hours a day. 61% had
difficulty in day to day work performance. Females were more prone compared to males
(p=0.008). High level of dependency was present with gadget addiction. Health action to be
taken in form of counselling about the pros and cons in the early phase can prevent future
complications (Kumar and Sherkhane, 2018).
Further, a study in Jordan discovered that smartphones have enormous effects on the
human body in that some musculoskeletal disorders (MSDs) and health problems might evolve.
These days, there is a wide use of the smartphones among all age groups of society, thus, the
focus on smartphone effects on human behavior and health, especially on the young and elderly
people, becomes a crucial issue. This study was conducted in Jordan on smartphone users for
different genders and ages, by conducting a survey to collect data related to the symptoms and
MSDs that are resulted from the excessive use of smartphones. A total of 357 responses were
used in the analysis. The main related symptoms were numbness, fingers pain, and pain in arm,
all linked to age and gender for comparative reasons. A statistical analysis was performed to find
the effects of extensive usage of a smartphone for long periods of time on the human body.
Results show that the significant variables were the vision problems and the time spent when
using the smartphone that cause vision problems. Other variables including age of user and ear
problems due to the use of the headsets were found to be a border line significant (Qasim et al.,
2017).

Effects of Electronic Gadget Usage during COVID-19 Lockdown on Health of Students

The use of electronic gadgets, especially mobile phones among youth, has been a
growing global concern. The worldwide COVID-19 lockdown has only amplified the issue. The
extended period of lockdown and virtual classes has increased college students' time on their
electronic gadgets. The debilitating health effect of excessive usage of gadgets has been well
established. There are an array of effects like headache, nausea, ophthalmological concerns and
psychological outcomes associated with gadget use for extended periods. The results suggested
that the average time spent on gadgets increased from 4.75hrs/day before lockdown to
11.36hrs/day during lockdown among participants. Most health complaints like headaches,
insomnia, eye complaints, tiredness and restlessness were associated with gadget use during the
lockdown. The percentage of participants experiencing these complaints during lockdown was
also significantly higher than before lockdown. By understanding the effects of gadget use, it
would be possible to create interventions and suggest ways to manage the excessive use of
gadgets. It is of prime importance to handle the issue considering the quality of life and
wellbeing of students (Pachiyappan et al., 2021).
A study from Bangladesh showed that the use of technological gadgets has rapidly been
increasing among adolescents, which may result in health issues and technology addiction. The
results showed that 67.11% of the participants were reported to use mobile phones on a daily
basis. Due to the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic, 24.48% of respondents used electronic gadgets
for attending online classes. The participants were reported to use gadgets significantly more (P
< .05) in 2020 as compared to 2019. Children showed less tendency to spend time in outdoor
activities. More than 50% of the participants spend time doing outdoor activities for less than 1
hour daily. An association between gadget use and health problems like headache, backache,
visual disturbance, and sleeping disturbance has been observed in our study. This study
demonstrates that different socio-demographic factors have influence on the use of gadgets by
children, and this use has greatly been affecting both the physical and mental health of the
secondary school-going students of Bangladesh (Mushroor et al., 2019).

Synthesis

Gadgets and electronic devices play an essential role in the current modern world,
technology and information developments progresses very quickly, as seen by the development
in the field of information and technology. The advancement of communication and information
and technology supports the current use of devices (Barianos et al., 2022).
Gadgets can be used to develop thoughts, ideas, businesses and lifestyles of teenagers or
adults or people with special interests. They are not entertainment media, for playing games, or
watching an event online, online TV or YouTube (Suzana et al., 2020). For adults, technology is
used to support various activities or their work. As for children. This technology has a dual
function (Kalogiannakis & Papadakis, 2017: 2020). Adults utilize technology to assist a variety
of activities or their jobs (Kalogiannakis & Papadakis, 2017: 2020). Positively, it can boost kids'
brain activity with a variety of motor exercises that are rarely encountered in daily life (Kastriti
et al., 2022). The drawback is that because of their constant reliance on technology, As a result, it
is less common to say hello or engage in conversation. Many parents also lament the fact that
their kids would rather play with technology than study. It influences how well youngsters learn
(Mohammed, 2022). Prolonged use of technology has an impact on children (Papadakis,
2018:2021). Despite being aware of the harms caused by electronics parents nonetheless permit
their children to use them (Saruji et al., 2017).
 Constant use of technology by children has a number of negative effects, including
attention deficits, loss of focus, difficulty in learning, anxiety, etc. according to study, 29% of
children are proficient with modern technology and 70% master them by primary school age.
Technology and gadgets makes our lives easier.
Physical health is the well-being of the body and proper functioning of the organism.
Traditionally, physical health might have been understood as your physical body being free of
disease or disability. But as our healthcare has improved, this definition has really evolved to
reflect that.
The Explanatory Dictionary of the Russian Language defines physical health as the state
of an unharmed, normally functioning organism. Physical well-being could more accurately be
described as "the capacity to carry out daily activities and reside comfortably in one's body"
(Nishat, 2022).
According to a global survey, more than 80% of pupils between the ages of 11 and 17
engaged in insufficient physical activity in 2016. The study indicated that girls are more likely
than boys to experience this. The WHO recommends that children and teenagers engage in at
least 60 minutes of daily moderate- to vigorous-intensity physical activity.
Mobile devices and social media could cause psychological and physical problems.
Additionally, they might exacerbate more severe medical issues like depression. Technology
reliance or overuse may have negative psychological impacts. More than three times as many
people who use social media frequently report feeling socially isolated.
Technology use may increase risk of physical issues, includes eyestrain, poor posture,
and sleep problems. Symptoms include blurred vision and dry eyes, and pain in other parts of the
body such as the neck and head.
Many technologies promote users to a "down and forward" posture, which involves
hunching forward. The neck and spine may be subjected to unnecessarily high pressure as a
result. According to a 2018 study Trusted Source published in the European Spine Journal, neck
position while texting had no impact on symptoms such neck pain.
Technology use too soon before bedtime may interfere with sleep. The brain is stimulated
by blue light, which includes that from cell phones, e-readers, and laptops. This disturbance
could make it more difficult for someone to fall asleep or make them feel less alert the next day.
Antigo and de Guzman (2018) and Decendario (2018) studied about the effects of
gadgets to the health of students. Antigo and de Guzman (2018) found out that the usage of
electronic gadgets do have effects on students’ health conditions. Moreover, it was also found
that there is negligible relationship between the academic performance and the level of effects on
the use of electronic gadgets as to family relationships, health and study habits. Decendario
(2018) also found out that usage of gadgets has a negative effect on the health of student such as
a poor sleep-rest pattern, which is the main problem of college students. In addition, the study
also found out that cellphone is the most used technological tool, MS Word as the most used
technological program, and social media, Internet, communication and multimedia as the most
used services.
Kumar and Sherkane (2018) and Qasim et al. (2017) studied about the impact if gadget
addiction to the physical health of students. Kumar and Sherkane (2018) found that high level of
dependency was present with gadget addiction and there were negative impacts to the health of
students. The results showed that 72.5% of subjects had first gadget at 16-20 years and 90.5%
were using smart phones as a common gadget, of them, 50.2% were using for more than 7 hours
a day, and 61% had difficulty in day to day work performance. Moreover, it was found that
females were more prone to gadget addiction compared to males. Qasim et al. (2017) also found
that smartphones can cause health problems such as musculoskeletal disorders (MSDs). The
results showed that the significant variables were the vision problems and the time spent when
using the smartphone that cause vision problems. Other variables including age of user and ear
problems due to the use of the headsets were found to be a border line significant.
Pachiyappan et al. (2021) and Mushoor et al. (2019) studied about the effects of
electronic gadget usage during COVID-19 lockdown to the health of students. Pachiyappan et al.
(2021) revealed that the average time spent on gadgets increased from 4.75hrs/day before
lockdown to 11.36hrs/day during lockdown among the students. The researchers found out that
most health complaints like headaches, insomnia, eye complaints, tiredness and restlessness were
associated with gadget use during the lockdown, and the percentage of participants experiencing
these complaints during lockdown was also significantly higher than before lockdown. Mushoor
et al. (2019) also observed an association between gadget use and health problems like headache,
backache, visual disturbance, and sleeping disturbance. The results of the study also showed that
due to the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic, 24.48% of respondents used electronic gadgets for
attending online classes. The participants were reported to use gadgets significantly more in 2020
as compared to 2019. Children showed less tendency to spend time in outdoor activities, and
more than 50% of the participants spend time doing outdoor activities for less than 1 hour daily.