Use of information and communication technology (ICT) and perceived health in adolescence: The role of sleeping habits and waking‐time tiredness

Abstract

The first aim for this paper was to examine gender and age differences in the intensity of usage of information and communication technology (ICT: computer for digital playing, writing and e‐mailing and communication, and Internet surfing, and mobile phone). Second, we modelled the possible mediating role of sleeping habits and waking‐time tiredness in the association between ICT usage and perceived health (health complaints, musculoskeletal symptoms, health status). The participants were 7292 Finns aged 12, 14, 16 and 18 years responding to a postal enquiry (response rate 70%). The results showed that boys played digital games and used Internet more often than girls, whose mobile phone usage was more intensive. Structural equation model analyses substantiated the mediating hypothesis: intensive ICT‐usage was associated with poor perceived health particularly or only when it negatively affected sleeping habits, which in turn was associated with increased waking‐time tiredness. The associations were gender‐specific especially among older adolescents (16‐ and 18‐year olds). Intensive computer usage forms a risk for boys’, and intensive mobile phone usage for girls’ perceived health through the mediating links. Girls were vulnerable to the negative consequences of intensive mobile phone usage, as it associated with perceived health complaints and musculoskeletal symptoms both directly and through deteriorated sleep and increased waking‐time tiredness. The results of gender‐specific ICT usage and vulnerability are discussed as reflecting gendered psychophysiological, psychological and social developmental demands.

Principles for the wise use of computers by children

“…Studies consistently show more game playing by boys (Ho and Lee 2001, Kent and Facer 2004, Punama¨ki et al 2007. Girls tend to have a greater communication component and this is consistent with a higher ownership and greater daily usage of mobile phones by girls (Punama¨ki et al 2007).…”

“…However, with the exception of books, this practice was actually associated with less sleep and greater tiredness. Similarly, Punama¨ki et al (2007) reported an association between intensive use of information technology and poorer sleeping habits, particularly during early adolescence. For boys, this sleep disruption was related to digital games and Internet use, whilst for girls mobile phone use was a greater risk factor.…”

Teenagers and the Use of New Technologies (Ict) for Health Information

“…Even if they have wide access to online information due to the spread of technologies, teenagers question the credibility of sources (Gray et al, 2005) and are sensitive to the risks to which they expose if they do not go to the doctor. In this matter, the data of this research are contrary that previous studies (Nuutinen et al, 2014;Sinkkonen, Puhakka & Meriläinen, 2014;Augner & Hacker, 2012;Punamäki et al, 2007;, Palmer et al, 2014Alexander & Currie, 2004) that have pointed out that teenagers expose to high risks in the online environment and are passive consumers of online technology and information. We can further take into account in which conditions and relations to what do teenagers rather exhibit passivity and engage in behaviours risky to their health.…”

Insufficient Sleep in Adolescents and Young Adults: An Update on Causes and Consequences

“…The use of computers before bedtime has also been shown to have the same effect, and this finding has been demonstrated in a wide range of countries and cultures. 45,46,[48][49][50][51] Engaging in a greater number and range of sleep-interfering activities before going to bed has also been associated with less nocturnal sleep and more daytime sleepiness in adolescents. 45 Several mechanisms have been postulated about how media disrupts sleep.…”