PERCEIVED EFFECTS OF GADGETS TO THE PHYSICAL

AND MENTAL HEALTH OF GRADE - 11 STUDENTS

A Practical Research

Submitted to the Faculty of the

Patronage of Mary Development School

Poblacion, Boljoon, Cebu

In Partial Fulfillment for the Requirements In Practical Research – 1

By

Niña Angela V. Lopena

Edward B. Custodio

Elonah G. Gumandoy

Jasmine G. Gumandoy

Vlademer Karl Mercadal

Christian Jay U. Roma

MARCH 2022
 APPROVAL SHEET

This research paper entitled PERCEIVED EFFECTS OF

GADGETS TO THE PHYSICAL AND MENTAL HEALTH OF GRADE-11
STUDENTS prepared and submitted by Niña Angela V. Lopena,
Edward B. Custodio, Elonah G. Gumandoy, Jasmine G. Gumandoy,
Vlademer Karl Mercadal, and Christian Jay U. Roma in partial
fulfillment of the requirements in Practical Research 1 has been
examined and is recommended for acceptance for TITLE
APPROVAL.

THESIS COMMITTEE

EDGARDO M. CABASE, JR.

Adviser

_______________________ _______________________

Member Member

DR. ROUEL A. LONGINOS

Chairman

PANEL OF EXAMINERS

Approved by the Committee on Proposal Hearing with the grade of

_____.

DR. ROUEL A. LONGINOS

Chairman

_______________________ _______________________

Member Member

EDGARDO M. CABASE, JR.

Adviser

Accepted and approved in partial fulfillment of the requirements for

the subject in Practical Research 1.

Date of Title Proposal : _______________________

 ACKNOWLEDGEMENT

With profound gratitude, the researchers would like to extend

their utmost appreciation to the following:

To our beloved Practical Research teacher, Mr. Edgardo M.

Cabase Jr., for his invaluable support, patience, time and guidance

in seeing us to the completion of this research work.

To our loving parents and siblings who are very supportive

from the very start of our journey on this research and who have

been a source of inspiration towards our academic pursuit.

To our groupmates, for your never ending cooperation and

wisdom.

To our school director, Dr. Rouel A. Longinos for allowing us

to conduct this research to our school.

To the respondents, for the very honest and knowledgeable

answers you have given us.

And most certainly to our Almighty God, for sending us the

Holy Spirit to guide and give strength. Without You we will not be

able to make this research possible.

 ABSTRACT

Title : PERCEIVED EFFECTS OF GADGETS TO THE PHYSICAL

AND MENTAL HEALTH OF GRADE -11 STUDENTS

Authors : Niña Angela V. Lopena, Edward B. Custodio, Elonah G.

Gumandoy, Jasmine G. Gumandoy, Vlademer Karl
Mercadal, and Christian Jay U. Roma

Level : Senior High School Students

School : Patronage of Mary Development School

Adviser : EDGARDO M. CABASE, JR.

Date : March 14, 2022

Pages : 58

CONTENT ANALYSIS

Objectives and Scope

This study appraised determined the perceived effects of the use
gadgets to the physical and mental health of the Grade-11 students at
the Patronage of Mary Development School, Boljoon, Cebu.

Findings
Gadgets are one of the instruments that affect the physical and
mental health of the students. Most of the Grade-11 respondents
answered negative effects to their physical and mental health.

Conclusion
As the pandemic started, students are more exposed in gadgets.
Gadgets are one of the tools that is used in online learning. It lead to
many complications in students’ physical and mental health as mostly of
them are being irresponsible users.

Recommendations
Gadget companies which created high quality cell phones and
laptops should keep their pricing low because most of the students seek
high quality performance in a gadget because it helps them with their
studies.
 TABLE OF CONTENTS

TITLE PAGE

APPROVAL SHEET i

ACKNOWLEDGEMENT ii

TABLE OF CONTENTS iii

ABSTRACT iv

CHAPTER

1 THE PROBLEM AND ITS SCOPE

INTRODUCTION.............................................1-14

Rationale of the Study

Literature Background

THE PROBLEM................................................15-17

Statement of the Problem

Significance of the Study

THE RESEARCH METHODOLOGY.....................18-21

Research Design

Research Environment

Research Respondents

Research Instrument

Research Procedures

Data Gathering

Data Analysis

DEFINITION OF TERMS..................................22-23
 2 RESULTS AND DISCUSSIONS..........................24-34

3 SUMMARY OF FINDINGS, CONCLUSIONS AND

RECOMMENDATIONS....................................35-41

Summary of Findings

Conclusions

Recommendations

References

APPENDICES................................................................42-46

Appendix A Transmittal Letter to the School Principal

Appendix B Transmittal Letter to the Respondent

Appendix C Sample of Research Instrument

Appendix D Research Map

CURRICULUM VITAE.....................................................47-52
 1

CHAPTER I

THE PROBLEM AND ITS SCOPE

INTRODUCTION

THE RATIONALE OF THE STUDY

Information and communication technology systems have

provided a kind of facility in the world that currently makes the

world like a small globe globally. One of the current technologies

used by humans is gadgets. A gadget is an object or item created

specifically in this advanced era with the aim of helping everything

become easier and more practical compared to previous

technologies. With less effort we can now do many things with just

a click of a button. We use gadgets in our daily lives.

Generally, students nowadays often use intense gadgets. They

use it excessively which can affect their physical and mental

function. The majority of students have smart phones, laptops,

game consoles, tablets, iPod. The use of electronic gadgets has

greatly increased in the contemporary world, particularly among

students, as a result of addiction.

 2

There was no significant relationship between the effect of

electronic gadgets and level of proficiency in the use of electronic

gadgets. Learners are aware on effects, yet responsive and

educated about ill effects of gadgets. Educational use of gadgets

develops a foundation of good/strong/progressive and effective

citizens in the future. Learners can gain new abilities wherever

they want, whenever they want, and at their schedule through e-

learning which provides unparalleled versatility in managing your

time.  With the advent of gadgets, we now have access to the data

at all hours of the day and night, and you can find nearly

everything online, making it convenient for learning. Additionally,

gadgets may help to promote listening ability, learning of sounds

and also speaking ability. However, constant reminder should be

instigated in the various negative effects of these gadgets.

Gadgets will affect our health such as eyestrain and difficulty

focusing on important tasks. They may also contribute to more

serious health conditions, such as anxiety and depression. Most

everyday digital technologies are sedentary. More extended use of

these technologies promotes a more sedentary lifestyle, which is

 3

known to have negative health effects, such as contributing to

obesity, cardiovascular disease, type 2 diabetes, etc. They may

also cause headaches, decreased attention, shortness of temper,

sleep disorders and depression, mostly among students.

Considering the recent growth of everyday gadgets on the

lives of the students, the researcher decided to focus on the effects

of prolonged use of gadgets to students because excessive use of

gadgets can have negative effects to an individual. The researchers

are also considering how electronic gadgets affect the physical and

mental health of the students.

Due to the pandemic, students are now more exposed on

gadgets. Students used gadgets as an instrument to continue

learning. Every student attends online classes and also spend time

at any social network sites.With all the foregoing premises, the

researchers opted to explore the effect of technology like electronic

gadgets on the physical and mental health of the students in the

Patronage Mary Development School probably because they do not

know how to limit themselves in using gadgets. With such concern,

this study was conceptualized.

 4

RELATED LITERATURE

Due to the rapid advances in technology, the usage of gadgets

has increased exponentially. Smartphones have become more

common among the general population these days, including

students. It is now well understood that using gadgets for a longer

duration impacts an individual's health leading to health hazards.

Possession smartphones, tablets, laptops and other electronic

gadgets that pose a threat to the existing social infrastructure. The

term “gadget” discussed in the present study refers to the portable

electronic devices that belong to either one or more of the

following categories: Mobile phones, MP3 players and gaming

consoles or any other wireless enabled devices.

As technology is widely used nowadays, students was exposed

now on using gadgets everyday. Gadgets help students learn in

different forms, it allows them to engage in different activities, and

it affects their well-being either positive or negative effects.

Gadgets may be helpful to the students but it can still affect the

physical and mental health in many ways.

 5

This research aims to know what are the possible effects to

the physical and mental health of the students in using gadgets

everyday. The researchers choose this topic to discuss the effects

of gadgets to the physical and mental well-being of the students

and how to lessen the effects. This study states that gadgets is

regarded as an inseparable part of human life, students should

conscious of using gadgets everyday.

Gadgets can be both good and bad. When students get

online, they can be doing work or classwork. They can be

corresponding with friends who live far away or watching/listening

to a new and exciting film or album release. However, screen time

can also negatively effect a student's physical and mental health

for a myriad of reasons. Gadgets can benefit people's well-being

and how it can also detract from people's physical and mental

wellness.

In fact, one of the most visible technologicaladvancements in

the last decade was to improve communication. Gadgets help

improve verbal and non-verbal communication especially when the

pandemic started as students attend online classes and

communicate with their teachers through any social network sites.

 6

The use of modern gadgets has helped students develop

skills applicable to modern society today. Many modern gadgets

help students develop their cognitive skills in the form of games

and many other interactive apps on a smart gadget.When students

use their devices to play video games, they may experience a

greater sense of community. This is especially true for students

who play communal games. Multi-player games that allow students

to connect with others outside of their home can often lead to both

physical and mental benefits from these games. 

Gadgets also prepares a students for the future and helps

tender to their explorative capacities and helps in developing

innovative thinking, strategic thinking, investigative skills, and

increases the creativity potential. Furthermore, from an educational

perspective, modern gadgets have helped improve the quality of

learning. 

The gadgets store the teaching and learning data

systematically which can so easily be accessed by anyone who

wants it. Internet has further facilitated sharing of knowledge

available abundantly on all the subjects. School websites now

provide all the educational information required by parents and

 7

students. Aspiring students can look up the internet for any

information and knowledge they require while studying or doing

assignments.

Electronic gadgets to students, helps them to improve manual

dexterity, and make them aware of the computers.Many

computerusers report feeling accomplished when they learn a new

computer or tech task. By using a device to help them accomplish

something or learning how to use new software or hardware

they've never used before, individuals may have increased mental

well-being because they feel more competent and better able to

handle things independently.

Students who learned to use social media platforms like

Facebook and Instagram experienced less psychosocial stress than

their counterparts who did not use social media. Since social media

allows for connection with people far away and can be a way to

connect when the rest of life is hectic, it can be a helpful tool for

decreasing the negative feelings that arise from a lack of

relationships in studenthood.
 8

One way that screens have improved student's lives is by

making life's busy work easier. Stress can wreak havoc on

student's physical and mental well-being. When devices with

screens can decrease stress, they can boost physical and mental

health and make life easier and more enjoyable for everyone who

benefits from their handy features.

However, despite their positive and beneficial use in

student’s physical and mental health, they also come with some

negative effects, especially when used excessively or carelessly by

students.

As the pandemic started, students become more exposed to

gadgets everyday as it was a tool to attend online classes and the

way to adapt with these changes. According to Zulkefly &

Baharudin (2009), the use of gadgets among the students has

experienced an increase from time to time causing symptoms of

anxiety, depression and stress.

Many young people have turned to social media when the

pandemic started to stay in touch with friends and family. Though

 9

ostensibly intended to connect people, social media — with

carefully curated feeds of people’s idealized versions of themselves

— can often lead to loneliness and envy. Many users also get their

news from social media (much of it negative), which can cause

anxiety.

Conversely, evidence suggests that the less time people

spend on social media, the less depressed and lonely they

feel.Hassan et al. (2017) state that users who attempt to control

and reduce the frequency of using the gadgets are found to suffer

from physical and mental problems.

Gadgets affect the way students communicate, think, and

learn. Relevant research has proven that technology could change

education negatively through four paths: deteriorating students'

competences of reading and writing, dehumanizing educational

environments, distorting social interactions between teachers and

students and isolating individuals when using technology.

 10

Continuous use of gadgets leads to many reported physical

health problems like eye strain, fingerpain, backache, neck pain

and sleep disturbances. Depending on the amount of time spent on

gadgets (duration and frequency). Knowing that not all students

use gadgets just for learning but also in communicating in any

social network sites. This may lead to an unhealthy lifestyle.

Most health complaints like headaches, insomnia, eye

complaints, tiredness and restlessness were associated with gadget

use during the lockdown. It may also affect the posture.

Continuous keeping your head in an unnatural forward-leaning

position may lead to stress on the neck, shoulders, and spine.An

uncomfortable seat, a set-up with poor ergonomics, sitting too long

or slouching lazily — these all contribute to the problem.

Studies also state that the use of gadgets to a high intensity

can cause various problems such as poor sleep quality and

decreased social interaction. It affects the student’s development

to grow and learn as a person.

Gadgets also hinder the students to be more productive while

doing tasks. They tend to procrastinate and put off all the works –

house works and school works. Students also skip physical

 11

activities like exercising and this will be a habit. Studies describe

this phenomenon as “technoference.”

Excessive use of gadgets everyday will lead to headache, a

combination of muscle tension at the base of the skull and an

assault on the eyes is the usual cause, as well as stress. It can also

affect the brain activity as well as draining the brain. Too much

time on a device doesn’t just drain the brain, it tires the body, too.

It imbalance the brain making students tired and anxious.

Gadgets can be also exposed to harmful bacteria which can

be easily from each other. It also make students lack of doing

physical activities like exercise that may lead to obesity. As student

spend more time in front of those screens—most of the time on

their home—the less time they spend outside playing, running, and

burning off calories. Over time, those habits can lead to significant

weight gain and other associated health problems.

Students also used headphones. This affect the hearing of

the students. Ears can recover from a siren screeching past, but

exposure to loud noise for hours every day can permanently destroy

cells in the inner ear.

 12

Too much screen time has repeatedly been shown to effect

mental health negatively. A study in 2017 showed that excessive

use of gadgets increased depression in students. Students who

spent time looking at screens for more than six hours a day were

much more likely to experience moderate to severe depression

than those who spent less time with their screens.

Too much screen time has been shown to effect sleep

negatively. Time spent staring at a screen's blue light—particularly

in the nighttime—can interfere with circadian rhythms and

ultimately decrease sleep quality and duration. Not getting enough

sleep can severely impact any person's mental health, including an

increase in feelings of anxiety and depression.

Students who spend a lot of time on gadgets may have lower

self-esteem because they spend more time comparing themselves

to connected peers on the platforms. Social media users don't only

compare themselves to friends and family they actually know and

are connected with. They also compare themselves to celebrities

and influencers who are on the platform—and it can be detrimental

to a person's mental health to compare their own life to the life of

someone whose existence appears picture-perfect.

 13

Further effects of low self-esteem can include negative self-

talk and body image issues, both of which can further negatively

impact mental wellness as a person experiences them.

The more time student sit and use their screens, the less

time they spend moving around and exercising. Exercise can

improve mental health significantly. Positive effects of mental

health include decreased anxiety, improved depression, better

sleep, increased self-esteem, and more. When screen usage

interferes with exercise, it can have long-term physical and mental

health risks.

Cyberbullying is a rampant problem online. The more time

that students spend connecting with peers and strangers online,

the higher the risk of cyberbullying. Cyberbullying can have a

serious negative impact on mental health, including feelings of

anxiety and depression and even thoughts of suicide. Limiting the

amount of time spent online and the kind of activities students can

do online can help minimize the chances that they experience

cyberbullying while online.

Gadgets are an eminent part of our daily life.It is an ever

progressing branch. Science is striving hard to remove the

 14

demerits of gadgets, but with development destruction is

inevitable. Though it poses a negative effects, it also provides a

wide range of positive benefits in areas of education.

Drastically limiting student's usage of gadgets today would

likely be impossible—and it would stop them from deriving all the

benefits that can come from utilizing digital devices. However, the

best way to ensure that screen time doesn't effect physical and

mental health is by using devices correctly and being mindful about

the time you spend looking at gadgets.

 15

STATEMENT OF THE PROBLEM

This study determined the perceived effects of the use

gadgets to the physical and mental health of the Grade-11

students at the Patronage of Mary Development School during the

school year 2021-2022.

Specifically, this aim to answer the following questions:

1. What are the preferred features of gadgets?

2. How often do the students use their gadgets?

3. What are the effects of gadgets to the physical and mental

health of the students?

 16

SIGNIFICANCE OF THE STUDY

The significance point of this study is to explain the effects of

everyday gadgets to the physical and mental health of grade-11

students in Patronage of Mary Development School.

Furthermore, the outcome of this study could be highly

significant and beneficial to the following:

Students. It enables students to gain a better understanding

of the effects of using everyday gadgets on their physical and

mental health, as well as to be more aware of their own health if

they are among the students who are hooked to gadgets.

Teachers. This study would be the basis of the teachers to

enhance their teaching style and come up with new ideas for

providing suitable guidance to students' physical and mental

health.

Schools. It empowers schools to have a foundation on which

to provide proper guidance to students regarding the effects of

everyday technology on physical and mental health.

 17

Parents. As the guardians of the students, this study will

help the parents to look out to their children when using gadgets

and the benefit it will give to their children.

Future Researchers. Future researchers who will propose

study which is similar to our study can use this as a guide for their

study. They can gather information, gain knowledge, and get some

insights on how to improve their study.

 18

RESEARCH METHODOLOGY

Research Design

The study uses qualitative research Descriptive survey

Method as a means of gathering and interpreting the data findings.

This method describe the perceived effects of gadgets to the

physical and mental health of grade -11 students in Patronage of

Mary Development School. The researchers used an adapted

questionnaire as a sort of medium in collecting data and gathering

information as a some basis for some recommendations.

Research Environment

The research was conducted at the Patronage of Mary

Development School (PMDS) . It is located at S. Medida Street,

Poblacion, Boljoon, Cebu 6024. Founded on January 8,2009 by

Dr.Rouel A.Longinos.

Research Respondents

The respondents of this study are the Grade 11 Students of

Patronage of Mary Development School. The researchers chose to

 19

asks the available 10grade 11 students of Patronage of Mary

Development School to take part in the said interview guide.

Research Instrument

The instrument that will be used to collect and gather data is

an interview guide. The interview guide was designed to know the

perceived effects of gadgets to physical and mental health of

grade-11 students of Patronage of Mary Development School. The

study conducts an interview method to gather, organize and

evaluate the data to come up new information and evidences.

The researchers utilized an adapted questionnaire which will

serve as the main tool for gathering data to answer the research

questions. The questionnaire is composed of questions related to

the respondents’ experience about the perceived effects of gadgets

in their mental and physical health.

Research Procedure

Data gathering

Before gathering the data, the researchers sent a letter of

request to conduct a survey to the school of Head Director asking

 20

for approval with regards to the collection of data and information.

After the permission was granted, the researchers will directly

conduct an interview. The researchers used individual discussion to

gather the respondents from similar experiences to discuss their

physical and mental health effects from using gadgets. The

respondents will be asked by the following questions guided in the

statement of the problem, the questions included were: (1) What

are the preferred features of gadgets(2) How often do the students

use their gadgets(3) What are the effects of gadgets to the

physical and mental health of the students.

Once done, the data collected by the researchers will be

evaluated and analyzed.

Data Analysis

Thematic content analysis- this is used to interpret answers

about the perceived effects of gadgets to the physical and mental

health of grade-11 students of the Patronage of Mary Development

School. The subject matter of each respondents will be a guide to

the grouping and analysis of the data.

 21

The data that has gained from the single interview between

the respondents was then read and reread and culled for like

phrases and themes then grouped to form clusters of meaning.

Through this process the researchers constructed the universal

meaning of the perceived effects of gadgets to physical and mental

health among grade-11 students of the Patronage of Mary

Development School and arrive at a more profound understanding

of the phenomenon.
 22

DEFINITION OF TERMS

To avoid difficulties that might be encountered in reading this

study, the following terms are defined operationally.

Perceived. Distinguished what are the possible effects of gadgets

to the physical and mental health of the Grade 11 students.

Features. A component in a gadget that is preferred with the

students like camera quality, battery life, etc.

Students. It is denoting someone who is studying in order to enter

a particular profession.

Preferred. It is the wanted preference or what is the best choice.

Often. It refers to how frequent or many times students used that

preferred gadgets.

Effects. It is a change which is a result or consequences of an

action or other cause.

Gadgets. The instruments used such as cellphones, laptops and

computers.
 23

Mental Health. Includes our emotional, psychological, and social

well-being.

Physical Health. Refers to the state of your physical body and

how well it is operating. Physical health is vital for well-being.

 24

CHAPTER II

RESULTS AND DISCUSSION

This chapter shows the analysis of data, interpretation and

discussion of the outcomes based on the data gathered at the

Patronage of Mary Development School. The discussions are

presented following the order of the research problem presented in

Chapter I.

The respondents are composed of 10 students, 6 from STEM,

1 from HUMSS, and 3 from ABM strands. They are all Grade 11

students that state what are their preferred features in a gadget,

how often they used gadgets in a daily basis, and what are the

effects of gadgets to their physical and mental health.

I. The Preferred Features of Gadgets of the Grade 11

Students

Rapid Internet Reception. Four out of the 10 students’

responses that rapid internet reception is one of their preferred

features of a gadget as it can help them to their online classes.

Some respondents stated these :

 25

“My preferred features of a gadget is the speed of the internet. It

helps me to answer my modules and to research in the web for the
information.”
“Good internet connection affects my mood. If it is slow, I will be
irritable and if it is fast, I will be happy.”

The use of the internet for learning is seen as a means to

improve accessibility, efficiency and quality of learning by

facilitating access to resources and service as well as remote

exchanges and collaboration. When you have a poor internet

connection, everyday work tasks can be disrupted. Students with

no high-speed Internet access at home are also less likely to be

productive. On the other hand, students with rapid internet

reception have substantially higher digital skills, which have a high

performance.

Storage capacity. Three out of the 10 students wants to have a

big storage capacity for their gadgets. Mostly because they want to

have a fast performance in their gadgets. One of the respondents

stated these:

“Preferred nako nga naay dakong storage ang gadgets kay

maimprove ang performance sa gadgets.”
(I preferred big storage capacity on the gadgets because it
improves the performance of the gadgets.)
 26

Storage capacity allows us to store and access content on

our devices, everything from photos to apps. Knowing that

students are experiencing this kind of learning environment, big

storage is necessary as students need to install apps related to

online learning.

Camera quality. Three out of the 10 students preferred to a good

camera quality as they want to capture important lessons.

Students also want to capture the events while experiencing this

pandemic as a sign of how far they have gone. One of the

respondents stated these:

“I want to have high quality camera. I can post any events from

my experience in this pandemic. From this, I can still interact with my

friends.”

Camera plays a vital role in the social aspects of the

students. Having a good camera quality assists them in capturing

important lessons. It help them capture special events and

preserve moments that are very sentimental to them.

 27

Battery life.Three out of the 10 students wanted to have long-

term battery. This will help them engage longer in online classes

and personal life. One of the respondents stated these:

“The battery consumption, it should be improved so that I

canlonger use my phones.”

Battery life for any gadget is a vital part of a student’s

success in learning. The bigger the battery capacity, the longer

time of usage.

Safety features. One of the 10 students wants a safety features

in their gadgets such as flashlights, SOS, emergency mode, etc.

The respondent stated these:

“Safety features is important especially when I’m home and if

black out occurs. Also to keep my gadgets safe.”\

People can easily access information on a gadget if no one

will not take the necessary precautions to prevent the information

from being at risk. Precautions such as keeping a passcode on a

gadget. As well as keeping any usernames and passwords secure

on encrypted documents.
 28

II. How Often Grade - 11 Students Used their Gadgets

Every time. Sixout of the 10 students used their gadgets every

time. They spent it mostly to kill time as they were bored, to play

online games, to check their social media accounts, and to answer

their modules. Some respondents stated these :

“I use it every time since I have nothing to do and got bored

always.”
“I often used my gadget from 7Am down to 11:Pm everyday. I
used it every time to make me updated with the latest news of the
COVID-19 and to interact with my friends.”

Students who used their gadgets every time mostly want to

entertain their selves. Knowing we are experiencing this pandemic,

going out is not allowed. But due to the gadgets, students can still

communicate with other people even virtually. Indeed, students

are afforded multiple opportunities to improve learning and access

the latest information by connecting with learning groups and other

educational systems.

2 to 8 hours a day.Four of the 10 students used their gadgets for

2 to 8 hours to spent it in answering their modules, attending

 29

online classes and using their social media accounts. Some

respondents stated these:

“Makagamit lakos akong cellphone mga 2 to 8 hours kay naa

pakoy laing buhat sa balay.”
(I just spent 8 to 4 hours in using gadgets as I still have other
things to do like household chores.)
“I often use my gadgets on a daily basis in less than five hours per
day due to online class.”

There are lots of students who used gadgets rarely as there

are lots of household chores to do. It is one the factors that can

make students outdated with the latest news in their school.

III. Effects of gadgets to the physical and mental health of

the Grade - 11 students.

A. Physical Health

Sedentary lifestyle. Five out of the 10 students became less

active after using gadgets. The respondents state that they are not

motivated to do physical activities like sports and other rigorous

activities as they feel drained after using the gadgets. One of the

respondents stated this:

 30

“Physically, after having gadgets I’ve been less active in many

things like sports and other rigorous activities.”

If anything, gadget is a huge distraction that stands between

a students and actually not getting the work done. This cost is that

gadget has become amazingly addictive, serving as a distraction in

most students' lives. Gadget has made us lazy and unproductive

due to its added conveniences, keeping us from unlocking our full

potential.

Eyestrain. Three out of the 10 students develop eyestrain after

using gadgets. One of the respondents stated this:

“In a physical health changes, after using the gadgets my eyes is

tired of using gadgets.”

Using gadgets develop eye strain and possible symptom of

diplopia due to eye strain and a bit of damage in the ocular muscle

due to staring straight at the screen without looking at other

direction.

Vision problems. Two out of the 10 students develop vision

problems for constant using gadgets. One of the respondents

stated this:
 31

“Since I began using gadgets, I developed vision problems.”

There's no research that shows constant technology use

causes any permanent vision damage .But staring at bright screens

for hours on end can lead to smaller-scale problems, said Dr.

Richard Shugarman. Digital devices emit high levels of blue light

and exposure to this can lead to eye-related diseases like “Digital

Eye Strain” in the long run. Extensive viewing of the computer

screen can lead to eye discomfort, fatigue, blurred vision and

headaches, dry eyes and other symptoms of eyestrain.

Headaches. Two out of the 10 students experienced headaches

while using gadgets. One of the respondent so stated this:

“Magsakit gyud akong ulo inig human nakog cellphone labina if

tutok kaayu ko asta sad sa TV.”
(I usually feel headache after using cellphone especially if I am
too focused also in watching TV.)

Many students may not be aware that headaches are often

due to prolonged or improper use of electronic devices.

 32

Unbalanced sleeping pattern. One out of the 10 students have

an unbalanced sleeping patterns in constant using of gadgets. The

respondent stated this:

“It affected my sleep patterns as I used gadgets every night and

sleep late in the evening.”

A study conducted by Charles Czeisler in Nature explains how

the artificial blue light given off by smartphones activates arousing

neurons in the brain. Hence, these chemicals disrupt the body’s

ability to produce melatonin, a sleep-inducing hormone. By

delaying the release of melatonin, screen time pushes back

bedtime and leads to less restful sleep. As the majority of students

have strict school start times, a later bedtime usually results in less

sleep overall and increased next-day sleepiness.

B. Mental Health

Develop anxiety. Threeout of the 10 students develop anxiety as

a result of using gadgets. One of the respondents stated these:

“It affects my mental health because using too much of my

gadgets that it leads me to anxiety and my mind is mentally unstable.”
 33

Electronic screens also can disrupt sleep. And a lack of good

sleep can result in a depressed mood, moodiness and irritability.

Increased stress. Three out of the 10 students increased their

stress while they are using gadgets continuously. One of the

respondents stated these:

“Daghang mga makit an nato sa social media about sa mga

issues ug murag mastress na sad ka unsay mahitabo.”
(We can see a lot of issues in social medias and that will make
stress to think what will be the outcome.”

What is on social media affects the behavior of the students.

Students will spend less time on activities and will not wind up to

relax instead they keep on focusing in gadgets.

Overthinking. Two out of the 10 students overthinks while using

gadgets. One of the respondents stated this:

“Mentally, I will overthink and fee to myself that I deserve to be

alone and defeated. Using gadgets also increases my need for approval
and feelings of discontent.”

Students may be thinking too much about what they do not

get to do, or they may be worried about themselves or loved ones,

 34

or feeling fear about the unknown future, instead of focusing on

online school work.

Loss of focus. Four out of the 10 students loss their focus as they

were concentrated in using gadgets. Some of the respondents

stated these:

“Mentally, it loses my focus and memory.”

“It affects my mental health because of using too much of my
gadgets. I have difficulty focusing on important task.”

Studies have shown that too much gadgets may negatively

affect a student's brain on its functioning, and may even cause

attention deficit, cognitive delays, impaired learning, increased

impulsivity, and decreased ability to self-regulation.

Trigger insecurities. Two out of the 10 students triggers their

insecurities in continuously using gadgets. One of the respondents

stated this:

“Since having a gadgets like phones , for many teens social

presence is a big thing but in some ways gadgets have make me
insecure.”

Gadgets insulates us from small uncertainties, leaving us

vulnerable to the biggies.
 35

CHAPTER III

SUMMARY OF FINDINGS, CONCLUSION AND

RECOMMENDATIONS

This chapter presents the summary of findings, conclusion

and recommendations. Based on these findings, conclusions are

drawn where the recommendations are formulated.

SUMMARY OF FINDINGS

The Preferred Features of Gadgets of the Grade 11 Students

The preferred features of Gadgets of the Grade-11 Students

are rapid internet reception, storage capacity, camera quality,

battery life, and safety features. Majority of the students preferred

to have a gadget with rapid internet reception. Its because a

gadget with good internet connection helps them in answering their

modules and find new information in the web. Some also want to

have a big storage capacity as this will help them to install apps

related to learning and gaming. They also want to have a high

camera quality as a sign of how far they have gone. These

respondents desire long-lasting battery as well. The bigger the

battery capacity, the longer time of usage.

 36

How Often Grade - 11 Students Used their Gadgets

Grade- 11 Students Used their Gadgets everytime or 2 to 8

hours a day. Majority of the students used their gadgets every

time. They spent it mostly when they are bored, to play online

games, to answer their modules, and to check their social media

accounts. Some of the students used their gadgets for 2 to 8 hours

a day. They just spent it for answering their modules and checking

their social media accounts in a short time.

Effects of gadgets to the physical and mental health of the

Grade - 11 students.

The effects of gadgets to the physical health of grade- 11

students are developing sedentary lifestyle, eyestrain, vision

problem, headaches, and unbalanced sleeping pattern. Majority of

the students develop sedentary lifestyle while continuously using of

gadgets. The respondents stated that they are not motivated to do

physical activities as they feel drained after using gadgets until it

became their habit. Some students develop eyestrain and vision

problems due to staring straight to the screen for a long time.

Extensive viewing of the screen can lead to eye discomfort, blurred

vision, dry eyes and other symptoms of vision problems. Students

 37

also feel headaches. These are often due to prolonged or improper

use of gadgets. Some students also responded that they develop

unbalanced sleeping patterns. They kept on using gadgets every

night and they just got few hours to sleep.

There are also effects of gadgets to the mental health of the

grade-11 students such as developing anxiety as they feel the

pressure to do good in their studies. Students also become

unhappy with their current circumstances as social media has also

been associated with cyberbullying, which leads to problems of

mental health. Gadgets also increases their stress as social media

affects the behavior of the students as it influences students

resulting to the fact that less attention is been paid to the other

activities .
 38

CONCLUSION

Based on the results that have been discussed, the

researchers concluded that there are several effects of gadgets to

the physical and mental health of grade-11 students.Majority of

them responses negative effects of gadgets on their physical and

mental health. Regardless of the negative effects, there are also

respondents experienced positive effects as gadgets is needed for

entering their online classes, lessens their boredom, etc.

The preferred features of gadgets of the grade- 11 students

which can gain new knowledge to them about the features of

gadgets and can acquire them to use gadgets everyday. Most

students respondents used gadgets every time and to spend it all

to gadgets to kill time when they are bored.

 39

RECOMMENDATIONS

1. Gadget companies which created high quality cell phones and

laptops should keep their pricing low because most of the students

seek high quality performance in a gadget because it helps them

with their studies.

2. Gadgets should be used sparingly and only for the most

important of tasks.

3. Students who use gadgets should keep their use in moderation,

as most of them report negative consequences on their physical

and mental health.

4. Students should be aware of the effects of gadgets to their well-

being and start being responsible with their actions.

5. Educators should raise more awareness to the students about

the possible effects of long time use of gadgets to the physical and

mental health.
 40

REFERENCES

Stuebar, S. (2019, October 22). Positive and negative effects of

technology on children. Retrieved from February 20, 2022

https://www.thesilverlining.com/westbendcares/blog/the-positive-

and-negative-effects-of-technology-on-children

Pachiyappan,T., Kumar, K.V., Mark, P., Venugopal R., Jilumudi D.,

& Palanisamy, B. (2021). Effects of Excessive Usage of Electronic

Gadgets during COVID-19 Lockdown on Health of College

Students: An Online Cross-Sectional Study. Retrieved from

February 20, 2022

https://journals.indexcopernicus.com/api/file/viewByFileId/

1228500.pdf

Modern Gadget.(2021, June 2). Positive and Negative Effects of

Modern Gadget Use. Retrieved from February 20, 2022

https://modern-gadget.com/positive-and-negative-effect-of-

modern-gadget-use/

Mentalup (2022, January 2). Positive and Negative Effects of

Technology on Children. Retrieved from February 20, 2022

 41

https://www.mentalup.co/blog/positive-and-negative-effects-of-

technology-on-children

Adnan M. (2021, October 01). Prevalence and impact of the use of

electronic gadgets on the health of children in secondary schools in

Bangladesh: A cross‐sectional study. Retrieved from February 20,

2022

https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC8485597/
 42

APPENDICES

Appendix A

TRANSMITTAL LETTER TO THE SCHOOL DIRECTOR

Patronage of Mary Development School

Poblacion, Boljoon, Cebu

March __, 2022

Dear Sir,
Greetings!

The undersigned students of Patronage of Mary Development

School are conducting a research study on the COMPLETE
APPROVED TITLE. In relation to this, we request permission from
you, the school director that we may be allowed to interview the
selected said Senior High School students.
Approval of this request is deeply appreciated.

Very truly yours,

Niña Angela V. Lopena

Edward B. Custodio
Elonah G. Gumandoy

Jasmine G. Gumandoy

Vlademer Karl Mercadal

Christian Jay U. Roma

Approved by:

ROUEL A. LONGINOS, Ed.D.,Ph.D.

School Supervisor Patronage of Mary Development School

 43

APPENDIX B

Transmittal Letter to the Respondents

Researcher:

We are the Senior High School students at thePatronage

ofMary Development School. We invite you to participate in
aresearch study. We are now going to explain the study to
you.Please feel free to ask any question that you may have about
theresearch. We will be happy to explain anything in greater detail.

We are interested in learning more about the grade-11

students’ perceived effects of gadgets to their physical and mental
health. You will be asked to answer the followingquestions and will
record your responses. This will takeapproximately 5-10 minutes.

Rest assured that your participation is completely

anonymousas no identifying information will be collected. The data
you willprovide will be treated with utmost respect and
confidentiality andthat the results will be used for research and
educational purposesonly.

Participant/Respondent:

My entire questions and concerns about this study have

beenaddressed. I choose, voluntarily, to participate in this
researchproject.

________________________________ __________

Signature over Printed name of the Respondent Date

________________________________ __________

Signature over Printed name of the ResearcherDate

 44

APPENDIX C

INTERVIEW GUIDE QUESTIONS

1. What are your preferred features in a gadgets?

_____________________________________________________

_____________________________________________________

_____________________________________________________

_____________________________________________.

2. How Often do you use your gadgets in a daily basis?

_____________________________________________________

_____________________________________________________

_____________________________________________________

_____________________________________________.

3. What are your;

 Physical health changes after using your gadgets?

_________________________________________________

_________________________________________________

_________________________________________________

_____________________________________________.

 Mental health changes after using your gadgets?

_________________________________________________

_________________________________________________

_________________________________________________

_____________________________________________.
 45

APPENDIX D

SITE MAP

Research Environment

Map of Patronage of Mary Development School

Building A

St. Rita Building

 46

BUILDING B

St. Joseph Building

BUILDING C

Sto. Niño Building

 47

CURRICULUM VITAE

Name: Niña Angela V. Lopena

Address: Luka, Oslob, Cebu

Contact No.: 09383650178

Email Address:

lopena143262731@gmail.com

PERSONAL DATA

Age: 16

Date of Birth: October 5, 2005

Place of Birth: Cebu City

Gender: Female

Nationality: Filipino

Religion: Roman Catholic

 48

Civil Status: Single

EDUCATIONAL ATTAINMENT

Senior High School: Patronage of Mary Development School

Address: S. Medida Street, Poblacion, Boljoon, Cebu

Year: 2021-Present

Junior High School: St. Mary's Academy of Oslob, Cebu

Address: Poblacion, Oslob, Cebu

Year: 2020-2021

Elementary: Alo Elementary School Address: Alo, Oslob, Cebu

Year: 2016-2017

CURRICULUM VITAE

Name: Edward B. Custodio

Address:Baclayan,Boljoon,Cebu

Contact No.: 09682019443

EmailAddress:

thisiswady4@gmail.com

PERSONAL DATA

Age: 16

Date of Birth: April 16 2005

Place of Birth: Baclayan Boljoon Cebu

Gender:Male

Nationality: Filipino

Religion: Roman Catholic

 49

Civil Status: Single

EDUCATIONAL ATTAINMENT

Senior High School: Patronage of Mary Development School

Address: S. Medida Street, Poblacion, Boljoon, Cebu

Year: 2022-present

Junior High School: Boljoon National High School

Address: Lower Beceril, Boljoon, Cebu

Year: 2020-2021

Elementary: Baclayan Elementary School

Address: Baclayan, Boljoon, Cebu

Year: 2016-2017

CURRICULUM VITAE

Name: Elonah G. Gumandoy

Address: Luka, Oslob, Cebu

Contact No.: 09273817517

Email Address:
gumandoylonlon@gmail.com

PERSONAL DATA

Age: 17

Date of Birth: October 22,2004

Place of Birth: Vicente Sotto Memorial Medical Center

Gender: Female

Nationality: Filipino

Religion: Roman Catholic

 50

Civil Status: Single

EDUCATIONAL ATTAINMENT

Senior High School: Patronage of Mary Development School

Address: S Medida Street, Poblacion, Boljoon, Cebu

Year: 2022-present

Junior High School: Tan-awan National High School

Address: Tan-awan, Oslob, Cebu

Year: 2020-2021

Elementary: Alo Elementary School

Address: Alo, Oslob, Cebu

Year: 2016-2017

CURRICULUM VITAE

Name: Jasmine G. Gumandoy

Address: Luka, Oslob, Cebu

Contact No.: 09273817518

Email Address:
jasminegumandoy22@gmail.com

PERSONAL DATA

Age: 17

Date of Birth: October 22, 2004

Place of Birth: Vicente Sotto Memorial Medical Center

Gender: Female

Nationality: Filipino

Religion: Roman Catholic

 51

Civil Status: Single

EDUCATIONAL ATTAINMENT

Senior High School: Patronage of Mary Development School

Address: S Medida Street, Poblacion, Boljoon, Cebu

Year: 2022-present

Junior High School: Tan-awan National High School

Address: Tan-awan, Oslob, Cebu

Year: 2020-2021

Elementary: Alo Elementary School

Address: Alo, Oslob, Cebu

Year: 2016-2017

CURRICULUM VITAE

Name:Vlademer Karl Mercadal

Address: South Granada,

Boljoon , Cebu

Contact No.: 09616203487

Email Address:
vlademer3456@gmail.com

PERSONAL DATA

Age: 16

Date of Birth: May 17, 2005

Place of Birth: Oslob , Cebu

Gender: Male

Nationality: Filipino
 52

Religion: Baptist

Civil Status: Single

EDUCATIONAL ATTAINMENT

Senior High School: Patronage of Mary Development School

Address: S Medida Street , Poblacion, Boljoon , Cebu

Year: 2022-present

Junior High School:Boljoon National High School

Address: Natalio Bacalso Avenue

Year: 2019-2020

Elementary: Apolinario Mabini Elementary School

Address: Mabini St. Bacolod, Negros Occidental

Year: 2016 - 2017

CURRICULUM VITAE

Name: Christian Jay U. Roma

Address: Poblacion Boljoon,

Cebu

Contact No.: 09151625866

Email Address:
Christianjayroma@gmail.com

PERSONAL DATA

Age: 17

Date of Birth: December 10, 2004

Place of Birth: Cebu

Gender: Male

Nationality: Filipino
 53

Religion: Roman Catholic

Civil Status: Single

EDUCATIONAL ATTAINMENT

Senior High School: Patronage of Mary Development School

Address: S Medida Street, Poblacion, Boljoon, Cebu

Year: 2022- present

Junior High School: Patronage of Mary Development School

Address: S Medida Street, Poblacion, Boljoon, Cebu

Year:2020-2021

Elementary: Boljoon Elementary School

Address: Poblacion, Boljoon, Cebu

Year:2016-2017