Can Awareness Programs Reduce Technology Addiction During the Covid-19 Pandemic? A Quasi-Experimental Study

Authors : Burcu Cengiz, Kübra Pınar Gürkan

Pages : 29-44

View : 15 | Download : 16

Publication Date : 2025-04-30

Article Type : Research Paper

Abstract :Introduction: The restrictions experienced during the COVID-19 pandemic can cause various problems, such as increased technology addiction. We aimed to examine the impact of an awareness program on university students\\\' free time management and their use of technology. Methods: This quasi-experimental study was conducted with a total of 77 university students of the faculty of nursing, 40 of whom were in the intervention group and 37 in the control group. Data were collected with the Sociodemographic Characteristic Form, Technology Addiction Scale, and Free Time Management Scale. We used chi-square, student t-tests, analysis of variance, and Bonferroni tests in the data evaluation. Results: It was found that there was a statistically significant difference between mean time spent in social networks and instant messaging applications between intervention and control groups. The Technology Addiction Scale pre-test and post-test mean scores of the intervention group showed a statistically significant difference. Conclusions: The participants\\\' level of technology addiction decreased with the awareness program. Giving students awareness education can reduce technology addiction and create more effective free time management. When students are directed to hobbies and can use their free time more effectively, the time they spend on technology decreases.
Keywords : Covid 19, Pandemi, Teknoloji Bağımlılığı, Zaman Yönetimi