The Role of Digital Technology in Shaping Adolescent Mental Health in Positive and Negative Perspectives
Keywords:
Digital Technology, Mental Health, Adolescents Positive and Negative Perspectives.Abstract
Digital technology provides various conveniences in communication, information access, and entertainment. However, uncontrolled use also poses new challenges to adolescent mental health, such as anxiety, depression, and social isolation. This study aims to analyze the role of digital technology in shaping adolescent mental health from positive and negative perspectives. The research was conducted using a qualitative method through interviews with selected adolescents using purposive sampling techniques from the population of high school students in city X. Data were collected from 70 respondents who actively use social media and digital devices in their daily lives. The data collection process lasted for two months, taking into account the diversity of respondents' backgrounds. The results of the study show that digital technology provides benefits in the form of improving social skills, ease of access to information, and emotional support through online communities. However, negative impacts such as social pressure, cyberbullying, and digital addiction tendencies are also found to affect adolescents' mental health. Family environment factors and digital literacy skills are the main determinants in minimizing risks and maximizing the benefits of digital technology. In conclusion, the role of digital technology on adolescent mental health is ambivalent, depending on the pattern of use and environmental support. The implications of this study emphasize the importance of digital literacy education and the active role of families in assisting adolescents in using technology in a healthy way.
Keywords: Digital Technology, Mental Health, Adolescents Positive and Negative Perspectives.
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