Adolescent technology usage during sleep-time: Does it influence their quality of sleep, attention difficulties and academic performance?

Many adolescents use the Internet, cell phones, television, and computer and video games on a daily basis. Therefore, an important question for educators is: how is technology affecting adolescents’ quality and quantity of sleep, their attention difficulties, and their academic performance? The purpose of the current project was to examine the relationships between adolescent self-reports of technology usage, sleep patterns, attention difficulties and academic achievement. Results indicated that nocturnal technology use has a negative impact on adolescents’ quality and quantity of sleep. Furthermore both technology use in general and reported attention difficulties have a negative impact on adolescents’ academic achievement. Finally, general technology use was not found to have a significant impact on adolescents’ academic achievement or reported sleep quantity. Since technology is such an integral part of most adolescents’ lives, it is important to understand the impact it has on their sleep, attention difficulties and academic achievement. Adolescent Technology Usage, Sleep, Attention and Academics 3 Chapter One Introduction The growth of technology has changed the world, which in turn has changed the daily lives of children and adolescents. Many adolescents use the Internet, cell phones, television, and computer and video games on a daily basis. Adolescents increased use of technology has been accompanied by a decrease in the amount adolescents sleep (Johnson, Cohen, Kasen, First & Brook, 2004; Owens, Maxim, McGuinn, Nobile, Msall, & Alario, 1999; Van den Bulck, 2003; Van den Bulck, 2004; Van den Bulck, 2007) and an increase in attention difficulties (Anderson & Maguire, 1978; Chan & Rabinowitz, 2006; Levine & Waite, 2000; Schmidt & Vanderwater, 2008) and poorer academic achievement (Cooper, Valentine, Nye, & Lindsay, 1999; Griffiths, Davies, & Chappell, 2004; Hancox, Milne, & Poulton, 2005; Koivusilta, Lintonen, & Rimpela, 2007; Zavodny, 2006). Although there seems to be a great deal of research indicating that technology (especially when used in excess) has detrimental effects on adolescents in a variety of domains, some research indicates that technology may positively affect adolescents. For example, playing videogames and computer games may improve reaction times, eyehand coordination, problem solving skills, and be a source of positive self-esteem for some players (Anderson, Funk, & Griffiths, 2004; Schmidt & Vanderwater, 2008). Furthermore, games that are educational, as well as fun and challenging can teach students material in a fun and non-threatening environment. Similarly, research indicates that moderate Internet use can positively affect adolescents’ academic achievement, especially reading achievement (Jackson, et al., 2006; Willoughby, 2008). Adolescent Technology Usage, Sleep, Attention and Academics 4 The following terms have been defined by the author for the purpose of this paper: technology, digital games, screen time, test messages, instant messages and screen names. “Technology” refers to the types of devices most commonly used for communication and entertainment purposes including: computers (including Internet access, online games and other computer games), cell phones (including phone calls and text messages), console video games, and television (including television shows and movies shown on television or played on a VCR or DVD player). When discussing various types of computer and video games, “digital games” may be used. This phrase refers to any type of game played on a computer or videogame console. “Screen time” refers to the amount of time a person spends in front of any type of technology including a computer or television screen. “Nocturnal technology use” refers to technology usage between the hours of 10pm and 6am. “General technology use” refers to technology usage at any time of the day or night. Finally, two types of messages are generally used by adolescents (instant messages and text messages). Text messaging is a service that allows a user to type a message and send it from their cell phone to another cell phone. Rather than a phone call where the users communicate by talking, with text messaging, the users communicate through typed “text messages”. Instant messaging is done through computers with Internet access. Users create “screen names” (or a unique user identification) through networks such as AOL, Yahoo or MSN. Users can type a message on their computer, and send it to the specified screen name of another user. If adolescents are spending more time using technology, and less time sleeping and studying, an important question for educators is: how is technology affecting Adolescent Technology Usage, Sleep, Attention and Academics 5 adolescents’ quality and quantity of sleep, their attention difficulties, and their academic performance? While many of these areas of interest have been studied in isolation, or in pairs, researchers have not conducted a single study examining the correlations among these four variables (i.e., technology usage, sleep quantity and quality, attention difficulties, and academic achievement). Examining the relationship among these variables can provide professionals with a better understanding of the effects of technology use on adolescents. The purpose of the current project is to examine the relationship between adolescent self-reports of technology usage, sleep patterns, attention difficulties and academic achievement. The hypotheses are: 1) Adolescents who report spending more time using technology will report spending less time sleeping. 2) Adolescents who report spending more time using technology will report lower levels of academic achievement. 3) Adolescents who report spending more time using technology will report higher levels of attention difficulties. 4) Adolescents who report higher amounts of nocturnal technology use will report spending less time sleeping and poorer sleep quality. Adolescent Technology Usage, Sleep, Attention and Academics 6 Chapter Two Literature Review Technology Adolescents tend to report using many different types of information and communication technology on a daily or weekly basis. This section will discuss the rates at which adolescents report using various types of technology, including the Internet, cell phones, computer games, video games, and television. Each is an influential component in many adolescents’ daily lives.