engleski

Emotional problems among high-school students during COVID-19 lockdown - effects of gender and use of social networks

Different international research conducted during the COVID-19 pandemic confirm changes in online habits and the more frequent use of social networks among adolescents (Fernandes et al., 2020 ; Matković et al., 2021). This trend also seems to be related to a higher risk of developing various psychological and emotional problems (Ozturk, & Ayaz-Alkayab, 2021). The main aim of this presentation is to examine the characteristics of social network use by high school students during the pandemic, particularly regarding the presence of certain emotional problems (depression, anxiety, and stress) and gender. A total of N=825 students (Mage=16.65 ; M=49.0%, F=50.7%, n.s.=0.3%) from 20 high schools in the City of Zagreb participated in the study. In addition to basic sociodemographic variables, this study measured general online habits and the frequency of social network use, while emotional problems were assessed using the DASS-21 scale (Lovibond & Lovibond, 1995). The results show changes in adolescents' online habits in terms of more frequent use of social networks during the pandemic. The results of a two-way MANOVA (gender * daily time on social media) indicate significant effects of gender and time spent, with no interaction. Symptoms of depression, anxiety and stress are more present among female students and those who spend more hours daily on different social media. Results indicate the need to address emotional issues among high-school students and to ensure adequate preventive and treatment interventions.

COVID-19 ; adolescents ; emotional problems ; social networks ; internet

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