Author: Shilpi Kumari
DOI Link: https://doi.org/10.70798/Bijmrd/03100015
Abstract: The rapid expansion of digital technology has significantly influenced the lives of adolescents, especially secondary school students. Electronic devices such as smartphones, tablets, and laptops have become essential tools not only for education but also for entertainment and communication. In urban centers like Patna, where digital access is growing, students’ reliance on gadgets has seen a notable increase. This study aims to analyze the multifaceted impact of electronic device usage on the academic performance, social behavior, and physical well-being of secondary school students in Patna. Using a mixed-method approach combining quantitative survey data and qualitative interviews, the research identifies patterns in device usage and their direct and indirect consequences on students’ daily lives. The findings reveal that while electronic devices enhance learning opportunities and improve access to information, excessive and unsupervised usage contributes to poor academic concentration, reduced academic achievement, and increased distraction during study hours. Socially, prolonged gadget use leads to limited face-to-face interactions, decreased participation in outdoor or group activities, and behavioral changes such as irritability and isolation. Physically, students report issues such as sleep disturbances, eye strain, and a sedentary lifestyle, often leading to weight gain and lack of fitness. The study emphasizes the urgent need for structured guidelines from schools and parents to promote balanced and responsible gadget usage among adolescents. Recommendations include digital literacy programs, scheduled screen time, and integrating physical and social activities in daily routines. This research contributes to a deeper understanding of how electronic gadgets shape the holistic development of secondary students and calls for collaborative efforts to foster healthier digital habits in the student community of Patna.
Keywords: Electronic Devices, Secondary Students, Academic Performance, Social Behaviour, Physical Well-Being, Screen Time, Patna, Digital Lifestyle, Gadget Addiction, Adolescent Development.
Page No: 118-124