Andi Nurul Mawaddah BN, Trisnawaty, Andi Alifia Ayu Delima, Fhirastika Annisha, Dahlan M

RELATIONSHIP BETWEEN GADGET USE INTENSITY AND DEPRESSION LEVEL IN STUDENTS OF SMA NEGERI 5 MAKASSAR CITY

Introduction

Relationship between gadget use intensity and depression level in students of sma negeri 5 makassar city. Study reveals a significant positive correlation between intense gadget use and increased depression levels in students from SMA Negeri 5 Makassar City.

Abstract

Background: Gadgets have become a major necessity for interaction in the technological era with both positive and negative impacts. Excessive use can lead to mental health problems, one of which is depression. Adolescents are subjected to technological developments during their transition period so they are more vulnerable to these negative impacts. Objective: This study aims to determine the relationship between the intensity of gadget use and the level of depression in SMA Negeri 5 Makassar City students. Methods: Cross sectional study at SMA Negeri 5 Makassar City on 208 randomly selected students representing each class. Data were analyzed univariately and bivariately using Spearman's Rho to assess the influence between the independent variable and the dependent variable, and Spearman's Rho correlation to determine the extent of the relationship between the two variables. Results: The intensity of gadget use with the level of depression in SMA Negeri 5 Makassar City students is significantly related, obtained a p value of 0.001 (p≤0.05) with Spearman's Rho correlation showing the relationship coefficient value (r = 0.234), meaning that the level of relationship strength or correlation between the intensity of gadget use and the level of depression is a moderate correlation with a positive correlation direction. Results: The study found a significant relationship between the intensity of gadget use and the level of depression in students of SMA Negeri 5 Makassar City with a positive correlation.

Review

This study addresses a highly pertinent and contemporary issue concerning the potential negative impacts of technology on adolescent mental health. The objective to investigate the relationship between gadget use intensity and depression levels in high school students in Makassar City is clear and socially relevant, particularly given the acknowledged vulnerability of adolescents during their developmental transition. The background effectively sets the stage, highlighting the dual nature of gadget use and the increasing concern over its link to mental health problems like depression. The overall scope and focus of the research are commendable for tackling a topic with significant public health implications. The methodology employed, a cross-sectional design with a robust sample size of 208 randomly selected students, appears suitable for an initial exploration of this relationship within the specified population. The use of Spearman's Rho for both significance testing and correlation coefficient determination is appropriate, particularly if the data distributions are not normal or variables are ordinal. The results clearly indicate a statistically significant relationship (p=0.001) between gadget use intensity and depression level. The reported Spearman's Rho correlation coefficient of r=0.234 signifies a moderate positive correlation, suggesting that as gadget use intensity increases, there is a tendency for depression levels to also increase, albeit not strongly. This finding offers valuable empirical evidence supporting a widely observed, though often anecdotally reported, phenomenon. While the study successfully identifies a significant correlation, its cross-sectional design inherently limits the ability to infer causality. It is not possible to determine from this study if increased gadget use causes depression, if depressed individuals are more likely to use gadgets, or if a third confounding factor influences both. Future research would significantly benefit from longitudinal designs to explore the temporal sequence of these variables and potential causal pathways. Additionally, incorporating qualitative methods or exploring mediating factors (e.g., cyberbullying, sleep disruption, content consumed) could provide a deeper understanding of this complex relationship. Nonetheless, the findings provide a crucial foundation for developing targeted interventions and educational programs aimed at promoting healthy gadget use and supporting adolescent mental well-being in the local context and potentially beyond.

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