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“Who run the world? Gadgets”: The Difficulties of Science Technology

Engineering and Mathematics Students Being Separated From Their Gadgets
for a While

A Qualitative Research
Presented to the Senior High School Faculty of
Laguna College of Business and Arts
City of Calamba

In Partial Fulfillment
of the Requirements for Practical Research 1

Gercayo, Arlex Bong B.

Manalo, Orville William J.
Domondon, Nadine

April 2021
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ABSTRACT

This study investigated the live experiences of three (3) Science Technology

Engineering and Mathematics (STEM) students having difficulties when they are

being separated in their gadgets at least for a while. This is important to a lot of

students nowadays who spent almost half a day facing the screen of their

gadgets. This research will provide the information if self-control is enough to

manage the use of gadgets of every student. To gather the data, different

references are used such as articles, researches, and different kinds of literature.

The other data were gathered from the interviewees which are the STEM students

of Laguna College of Business and Arts (LCBA). The researchers provided five (5)

different interview questions and used google form so that the respondents can

answer the question without committing physical contact with the researchers. The

study showed the different coping mechanisms of the STEM students as their self-

control, it also shows the advantages and disadvantages of gadgets to humans,

the effects of gadgets on humans, and the importance of gadgets in the daily

lives. According to the results, self-control is the only key to manage yourself from

using your gadgets. With this, you will have more time for other activities like doing

homework, spending time with your family, doing your hobbies, and more.

KEYWORDS: Gadgets, self-control, coping-mechanism, time, manage, screen,

advantages, disadvantages and STEM

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1.0 INTRODUCTION

“I have all the tools and gadgets. I tell my son, who’s a producer, ‘You

never work for the machine, the machine works for you.”

-Quincy Jones

According to this quote, never let machines or gadgets control you,

your time, your behavior, and your attitude. Be the controller of those so-called

gadgets because humans are at the top of all things in the world including the

living and the non-living. Some students are using gadgets for popularity, they

were famous at their schools when they have the newest version of gadgets

but little did they know that spending more time on gadgets can make your

body weaker that’s why humans must be the producer of gadgets not a

product of it.

On the other hand, Excessive use of gadgets such as mobile phones,

tablets, and computer desktops can cause physical and mental damage to

humans. According to Mong Jimenez (2018), a child will likely

become overweight and develop seizure and vision problems when they

spend too much time using gadgets. In Central Visayas, one of the regions in

the Philippines, a National Nutrition Council (NNC) Region 7 study reported that

3% of children are considered obese and overweight. Even in such

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circumstances, gadgets are continuously developing and modernizing as time

goes by and these smart devices are made and supplied by technology

companies. Some of these companies are Apple, Samsung, Vivo, Oppo,

Huawei, LG, etc.

Admit it or not, we all use our gadgets more and more in our life.

Technology has played a heavy role build up the world to what it is right now.

These days, almost all of us have these gadgets with us. Wherever we look and

go, we will see these gadgets in the hands and pockets of many people. It has

been a part of our daily lives, and in fact, these devices made our life easier.

These technological devices have been essential in our era, and more models

are released every year by technology companies. The looks and

specifications continue to evolve. Gadgets are getting more advanced as

time goes by. The revolution of technology has been taking over the world. In

this generation that humans are currently into, especially in the students' world,

their life wouldn't be complete without these technological devices. Gadgets

have grown tremendously powerful.

According to Annisa Maulidya Chasanah and Grace Kilis (2017), Wei

and Lo said that there are six main reasons students use gadgets. The six

reasons are to seek information, social functionality, affection, style, mobility,

and accessibility. Technological devices help students to connect easier with

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everyone. The type of technology that we have right now makes it easier for

students to do their tasks and responsibilities. When they have a report and

homework to do, they don't need to hassle finding data, information, and

answers. With our advanced technology, students can now search it all on

Google. Gadgets help students in their daily lives. Imagine the life we have if

we didn't have these technological devices by our side. That would be difficult

and complicated for everyone to do their task. Although gadgets brought

positive impacts, excessive usage won't be a good thing. According to

Amanda Lenhart (2015), Pew Research Centre conducted a study on 1.060

teens aged 13-17, almost 92% of them are online every day. Students cannot

control themselves, and parents have a rough time monitoring their online

habits.

The objective of this study is to know the importance of gadgets to the

present generations. The researchers also want to know the advantages and

disadvantages of gadgets in their life and if the gadgets are helpful to them or

not. This study also wants to determine if STEM students of Laguna College of

Business and Arts are capable of controlling themselves when using gadgets.

Moreover, this study aims to make young people aware of the excessive

use of gadgets on a daily basis. Aside from that, it will also help young people

to be aware of the impact of gadgets on their lives. With this study young
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people will become more aware of their obsession with using gadgets, they

will also have time for their family, and the importance of controlling the use of

gadgets. And to tell the respondents that they should use their gadgets wisely

and appropriately because humans made the gadgets, not humans are

made by the gadgets.

Theoretical Framework

So far, we have had a new normal, and the percentage of young

people or students who have fallen into gadgets has increased, and this

Research will help to prevent young people from using smartphones

excessively.

According to the Decision Science Institute (2017), most young people

today tend to use smartphones. Technology has completely changed the way

student lives. Most are also at a young age who do not limit the time to use

their smartphones. Some of them are neglected by their parents to use their

gadgets all day. Especially in this new normal that we are experiencing today,

smartphones are often attached to many people. But we don't realize that we

use it too much, we lose time to rest our eyes, and we also lose time to bond

with our family. So this research will help us to better understand what

smartphones can do to us.

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According to UNCTAD (2021), young people are the ones who often use

smartphones, especially in their studies. Especially now that face-to-face

classes are forbidden, most students are soaked in their technological devices,

especially smartphones. Education today is now transformed by modern

technologies. Smartphones are a big help to young people because they are

the main learning tool. So this Research will help us to better understand the

impact of smartphones on a person, especially on young learners. According

to Herrero, J., Urueña, A., Torres, A., and Hidalgo, A.(2017), technologies are

most instrumental in transforming a country. In today's era, smartphones are

the most used part of people's daily lives. Smartphones make everyone's work

easier. It has a far-reaching effect that changed every country. It is used in

various things, especially in communication. But we are not aware that it may

affect the health of every person, especially young people. Probably it helps

a lot to every person, but it also has an impact on health.

These theories will serve as knowledge to every person, especially

students. This research will help students to have a better understanding of

what's happening in their generation. There will also be insights so that young

people know that they are losing time with their family due to excessive

drowning in gadgets.
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Research Paradigm

“Who run the world? Gadgets”: The

Difficulties of Science Technology
Engineering and Mathematics Students
Being Separated From Their Gadgets
for a While

Gadgets Dominate
Gadgets as a Friend Learning in a Time as an Alarm
Over Family
and an Enemy Technical way Clock

Gadget as a Eyes as the Main

Chilling is a Must Manipulator Target

Prioritize Technology
Control
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Central Questions

What is the essence of the lived experience of Science Technology

Engineering and Mathematics students controlling themselves in using

gadgets?

Corollary Question

1. How do STEM students share their experience with regards to controlling

themselves in using gadgets?

2. What themes emerged from the study?

Scope and Delimitation

The study is conducted at Laguna College of Business and Arts (LCBA)

and was exclusive for Science Technology Engineering and Mathematics

(STEM) students of the senior high school department at the said school. The

total number of co-researchers is 3 and they are currently studying at the

school mentioned above. It will focus on the difficulties of STEM students being

separated in their gadgets for a while and their opinion in terms of the general

perception of the said topic.

The study will focus on the difference between the opinions and

perceptions of the respondents and with that, it will be possible to determine if

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gadgets are that important to the generations nowadays to the point that they

are inseparable. Nonetheless, only the perceptions of STEM students inside the

Laguna College of Business and arts will be included.

Review of Related Literature and Study

This part of the study looks for and presents the review of different kinds

of literature related to the difficulties of students and teenagers being

separated in their gadgets and gathers data from foreign and local literature.

Teenagers and gadgets nowadays are inseparable. They were together

all the time to the point that you can only think how would they handle life

without gadgets or even a day without gadgets. Now some of the teenagers

nowadays don’t fully know the advantages and disadvantages of gadgets.

According to Mani_bnl (2020), using gadgets have advantages and

disadvantages. The advantages of this are it helps to improve children’s

speaking and reading abilities, coordination, and decision-making capabilities

can be increased with the help of video games, communicated easily, and

works easily. On the other hand, there are disadvantages too. Gadgets have

affected our generation by distancing them from their culture and tradition,

less time for outside activities, and getting lazy and began getting obese.

Gadgets have made us their slaves. As days are not far when we would not be
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able to live without them so as much as possible humans must try to control

themselves when using gadgets.

And because teenagers nowadays can’t live a day without the

gadgets by their side, they were seeing inappropriate things on social media

that lead them to compare themselves to others and end up being depressed.

According to RSPH (2017) 91% of 16-24 years old use gadgets and the internet,

because of that, the rate of anxiety and depression increased to 70% in the

past 25 years. Imagine how unhealthy the gadgets can bring to humans that’s

why people should know how to properly use gadgets and also know the risk

of overusing them.

As time passes by, the attitudes and behaviors of teenagers, especially

students, are getting more unacceptable and very different from the older

generations. One of the reasons for this kind of phenomenon is gadgets.

According to Kopykitab Team (2020), kids are replicating what they see and

hear. Because of the reason that students nowadays are more into

technology, what they see and hear from their gadgets serves as their role

model and they will always think that what they see and hear is always right.

There are so many influencers who influence every student in different ways,

either good or bad. Some platforms and videos can manipulate their thinking

and make them things out of their knowledge.

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According to Krissy Supena Cabrera (2014), Teachers and administrators

recognize the benefits of these devices when used for class lessons. It is a

convenient instrument many have access to. And students, educators say,

show progress about study habits when they have this technological

advantage. It is because of our connection to our advanced technology. They

brought a huge impact and changed the world on a whole new level.

Students can do more in their virtual world with the advanced features they

can access. This type of technology gives us a premium experience that has

never happened before. All of these are because of technology, and all will

show up in our technological device with just one click.

Our connection to the Internet helps students research when they need

to study and learn about a particular topic. We have lots of information that

everyone can access on the Web. The use of research gives students a less

hassle experience in finding information. It also pushes them to think critically:

Is the information accurate? Which data is correct? Students learn to be aware

of the fake data they can find on the Internet, even though it is ready to be

copied.

Connecting with other people, being updated with the trends, and

communicating to do their school works. Communication and connection are

factors for students on why they use their gadgets. With these new emojis,
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reacts and more creative interactions, all of these are new ways of connection

that give us a more fun experience. And not only that, but it also provides

students a more engaging learning experience. Information today

approaches students differently, and it engages them more. Students have

texts, images, videos, audio, and even animation to help them better

understand their lessons. This multimedia experience lets this information be

better ingrained in their minds. They can use this not only in school but also in

preparing for job they want. Students are now growing up, and they need to

know the job they wanted, and the dreams they want to achieve. Our

technological devices play a huge role, and we can see how gadgets

changed the world. Advanced technology has been great! That's why

students are more into their virtual world, but many of our students are using it

excessively, and it's going to be a disaster.

These days, students have a hard time separating themselves from their

gadgets. They can't control themselves from their technological devices, as if

they'll die without them, and that's the problem. Many students think that they

can't live without gadgets, but they don't know that gadgets will be the ones

to destroy and bring damage to them. According to the Senate of the

Philippines (2020), Senator Leila M. de Lima has expressed concern over the

excessive use of electronic gadgets among Filipino children, which affects not

only their vision but also their general health condition and development. Also
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according to him, the Department Of Health raised an alarm over the growing

number of children in developed cities like Metro Manila and Metro Cebu that

are now suffering from myopia or near-sightedness due to the constant use of

electronic gadgets. These are problems, especially for students who are

looking forward to a course that is more on visualizing. Students will have health

problems like overweight and vision problems when they spend too much time

using gadgets. It will give them a hard time doing their tasks with health

problems. So, students should keep themselves physically active. Go outside,

exercise, and play! Be a human in the outside world, and don't lock yourself

inside a technological device. Health is important because it is a requirement

for everything you do.

According to Divine Relano (2018), the head of the NNC Region 7, Dr.

Parolita A. Mission said that parents and caregivers have the responsibility to

discipline and control their children's exposure to gadgets. The people who

guide and take care of students will have to help. They need to discipline

students in using gadgets. Students need to discipline themselves in using their

technological devices as well. If they won't, it will cause damage to their lives.

Many of these students are awake at midnight just because of using their

gadgets without making their guardians know about it. These students don't

know how badly these gadgets can affect their health and lives. They need to

get educated, and controlling the usage of technological devices is an

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important thing to do because this will affect the future they are building.

Everything that we do excessively will always be a negative thing for us. As

many people said, regrets will always be in the end.

All of the studies given are related to this study. There are differences

and similarities. The similarities are they both talks about gadgets and self-

control while the differences are, their study is way more wide and general,

unlike this study that is on a specific topic. Their study talks about the

advantages and disadvantages of gadgets, the risk of using them, and many

more, unlike this study that talks about the perception of students being

separated in their gadgets even for a while. Although the mentioned subtopic

of this study is the primary topic of it, as time goes by, the subtopics are

widening and going to be informative because as of now, this study is currently

unexplored.
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2.0 METHODOLOGY

This chapter presents all the necessary information about the intended

process of this study. The research design, research instruments, the

participants, data gathering procedures, and treatment of qualitative data

used in this study are all included and discussed.

Research Design

This study used qualitative research with a phenomenology approach

to gathering data on the difficulties of the selected Science Technology

Engineering and Mathematics students separating themselves from their

gadgets. When taken as a methodology, Dowling stated that phenomenology

provides aspects of how to conduct qualitative research according to Zihan

Shi (2011). Phenomenology will help researchers in conducting qualitative

research. Researchers will apply their phenomenological study through

interviews, conversations, meetings, and data analysis. A phenomenological

study by Creswell “describes the meaning for several individuals of their lived

experiences of a concept or a phenomenon,” (Marieke Slootman 2018).

Applying the use of phenomenological methodologies in this study will allow

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the researchers to gain knowledge and understanding about the phenomena

and from the experiences of others. Phenomenology will help the researchers

be more open with their co-researchers. With this in mind, researchers will be

respectful with their approach and will be open-minded with the data they will

receive. The researchers adopted this kind of approach in the selected STEM

Students having difficulties separating themselves from their gadgets.

Research Instrument

In gathering information, the researchers provided (5) guide questions,

which will use as interview questions. The interview is conducted through

Google Form with three (3) Grade 11 students under the Science Technology

Engineering and Mathematics strand at Laguna College of Business and Arts.

The interview started in May and finished within the same month. The following

will be the interview guide questions:

1. How long do you use your gadget/s in a day? Do you spend more time

on gadgets than your family?

2. How do gadgets affect your learning? Is it helpful or not and why?

3. What are the ways you do to discipline yourself in using gadgets?

4. What are the effects of gadgets on your health? It is bad or good?

5. As a student, what advice can you give to other students having

difficulties in separating themselves from their gadgets?

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Participants of the Study

The study was conducted at Laguna College of Business and Arts

(LCBA). All of the three (3) participants selected are from the senior high school

department and the participant’s data were collected between May and

June 2020. All of them agreed to be interviewed and they also agree that the

information/data they will give will only and be used in this research. All of the

three (3) participants are one of the keys to the success of this research that’s

why their perspective and opinions about their difficulties in a day without

gadgets are important.

Participant Gender Age Strand

OPPO Female 17 STEM

VIVO Male 17 STEM

APPLE Female 17 STEM

Data Gathering

The researchers have allotted superfluous time, effort, and cooperation

to provide a better understanding and to collect the exact data needed in

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this study. The questionnaire is created using experience and research-related

topics. The questionnaire is divided into 5 different questions which were

related to the difficulties of STEM students being separated in their gadgets.

After the questionnaire has been approved, it is distributed to the three (3)

respondents using google forms.

Subsequently, the participants’ data were collected on the next day for

interpretation and analysis. Along with the participants’ data, the researchers

also used secondary resources from different articles and literature.

Treatment of the Study

The researchers gathered all the data from the respondents. In line with

that, the respondents' answers were collected via google form including five

(5) questions about the difficulties of STEM students being separated with their

gadgets for a while. Subsequently, after the data have been collected, the

researchers organized and carefully analyzed the answers of the three (3)

Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM) students of

Laguna College of Business and Arts. After conducting this interview, the

researchers carefully analyzed the response of different respondents and

divide them by themes. Respondents' answers were in line with similarities and

differences based on their answers.

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3.0 RESULTS AND DISCUSSIONS

This chapter presents the analysis and interpretation of the gathered

data. The phenomenological study intended to look into the Science

Technology Engineering Mathematics Students (STEM) having difficulties

separating themselves from their gadgets. One of the methods of inquiry

included in the data was the phenomenological reflection, elicited through

the interpretative phenomenological analysis of the experiences of STEM

Students.

What is the essence of the difficulties of Science Technology Engineering

and Mathematics students being separated from their gadgets for a while?

Nevertheless, the researchers provided a table where the corollary

questions have been answered.

Corollary Question: What themes emerge from the study?

Interview Question no. 1: How long do you use your gadget/s in a day? Do

you spend more time on gadgets than your family?

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Thematic Chart A
Gadgets Dominate Over Family
Co-Researchers Responses

“Probably more than 10 hours. Yes.”

OPPO

“Yes I spend a lot of time using my gadgets than my

VIVO family within 50% of a day”

“Mula pagdilat ng mata ko hanggang pagpikit. Oo.”

APPLE

OPPO alleged that she spent more than 10 hours a day using her

gadgets. VIVO also states that he spent time with his gadgets almost half a

day, imagine facing the screen of your gadgets for 12 hours in a day but that’s

not it, there is this respondent the researchers named APPLE, who said that she

spent the whole day with her gadgets to the point that she started to use her

gadgets from waking up in the morning until the time that she is going to sleep.

How can she manage to use her gadgets while eating, bathing, cleaning, and

many more? On the other hand, there’s this follow-up question about spending
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more time on their gadgets than their family and all of them answered they

spent more time on using their gadgets than bonding with their family.

All of them have the same answers that they spent too much time

facing the screen of their gadgets than spending time with their family which

means that they have a very long screen time in their gadgets within the whole

day and that isn’t healthy for the body of every human, especially to students.

In line with that, according to Mong Jimenez (2018), a child will likely

become overweight and develop seizure and vision problems when they

spend too much time using gadgets. Despite the fact that spending too much

time using gadgets, OPPO, VIVO, and APPLE still use their gadgets for a very

long time and this may lead their body to be unhealthy.

Interview Question no. 2: How do gadgets affect your learning? Is it helpful or

not and why?

Thematic Chart B
Gadgets as a Friend and an Enemy
Co-Researchers Responses

“Sometimes using gadgets is helpful academic

VIVO research but gadgets eating and wasting time for
online games it may affect my grades and skills in
learning.”
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“Helpful siya na hindi, kasi online class tayo ngayon mas

APPLE kailangan ng gadgets ngayon para makapag aral at
the same time distraction din siya para sakin.”

VIVO states that using gadgets is helpful especially to a student like him

but unfortunately, these gadgets can consume and waste your time and aside

from that, he also states that using gadgets may affect your grade and may

also affect your learning capability. Overusing your gadgets will lessen your

time of studying. And because you’re using your gadgets uncontrollably, it

may affect your ability to learn and may lead you to drop your grades. On the

other hand, APPLE said that these gadgets are very helpful especially now that

every student like her is attending online classes and they use gadgets as the

main source of communication. Aside from being helpful, she also said that

these gadgets are one of the main distractions for her especially when

learning. One example of this is when you are using your laptop while

attending online classes and then behind the camera, you are using your

phone scrolling in social media.

They both answered in neutral. Both of them answered that gadgets

can be helpful but may destroy you at the back. They both answered that

gadgets are helpful when it comes to academics especially now that they are

experiencing the new learning system which is online schooling and they need
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these gadgets to cope up and adjust to the new learning system. They also

state that these gadgets have disadvantages when used improperly.

Students nowadays are into gadgets but not all know the advantages

and the disadvantages of using gadgets. According to Mani_bnl (2020), using

gadgets have advantages and disadvantages. The advantages of this are it

helps to improve children’s speaking and reading abilities, coordination, and

decision-making capabilities can be increased with the help of video games,

communicated easily, and works easily. On the other hand, there are

disadvantages too. Gadgets have affected our generation by distancing

them from their culture and tradition, less time for outside activities, and getting

lazy and began getting obese. Just like the respondents said, gadgets are

helpful but they can destroy their lives too. Yes, these gadgets are very helpful

to us but aside from the good things that these gadgets can do to us, these

gadgets are slowly destroying us. According to Kopykitab Team (2020), kids are

replicating what they see and hear while using these gadgets. Imagine kids

nowadays are being arrogant, disobeying their parents, and very aware of

things that are inappropriate with their ages. Despite the fact that these

gadgets are very helpful to us, they can also destroy the lives of every

individual.
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Thematic Chart B.1
Learning in a Technical Way
Co-Researchers Responses

“Especially now that we are taking online classes, it

OPPO makes my school works easier. With that, I can say that
it is helpful because I get to finish each in a speedier
time.”

OPPO alleged that gadgets are helpful to her. By using gadgets, it can

make her time very efficient and with that, she can do her school works easier

and in a speedier time.

In line with that, OPPO strongly justifies that gadgets are very helpful to

humans especially to a student like her unlike the first two respondents, which

are VIVO and APPLE, who have neutral answers that gadgets are both helpful

and not to humans. Although OPPO has a different answer from VIVO and

APPLE, they have the same thought that gadgets are very helpful to humans

but unlike VIVO and APPLE that gadgets also have disadvantages to humans.

According to Jim Collison (2020) gadgets are used to continually

improve and expound methods through which students can learn and

gadgets can help students in many things like it improves overall student
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performance, enables student-centered learning, enhances knowledge-

retention, enhances presentation and illustration of lectures, enhances

collaboration, can be used for research purposes, can be used for easier

access to materials and easier storage of information, can be used by students

to verify information, can be used for easier communication, can be used for

virtual classroom or virtual learning. Although these gadgets have so many

good things that can bring when it comes to learning, teachers must know the

limitations of using them while learning just like banning unnecessary

applications unless needed.

Interview question 3: What are the ways you do to discipline yourself in using

gadgets?

Thematic Chart C
Time as an Alarm Clock
Co-Researchers Responses

“To be honest I lack discipline in using my phone nor

OPPO my gadgets, but sometimes what I do is I set a specific
time or deadline and I schedule the things that I am
about to do just to keep me reminded and focused.”

“Inoorasan ko sarili ko, kailangan kakain pa rin ako sa

APPLE tama or matutulog sa hapon.”
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When the researchers asked about the ways they do to discipline

themselves when it comes to smartphones. OPPO answered that having a

specific time or deadline for smartphone use will help, and this way you will

have time for something else and you will be able to discipline yourself when it

comes to smartphones. It is connected with the answer of APPLE and

according to her, having a deadline for using smartphones will help, this way

she can have some time for other things such as meals and sleep time.

The answer of OPPO is the same as the answer of APPLE. According to

them, in order to discipline themselves in using gadgets, they set aside time for

screen time, and then they have time for something else. By setting a screen

time in using their gadgets, they limit the excess of radiation they receive from

the gadget they are using. They also develop self-discipline by eating and

sleeping in time.

According to Gareth Wood, self-discipline is the answer to gadget

addiction. Parental discipline can contribute a big help to shape their children.

But when it comes to yourself, self-discipline is the key to manage gadget

addiction or too much screen time. And according to the answer of the two

respondents, a specific time or deadline for gadgets is the key.

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Thematic Chart C.1
Chilling is a Must
Co-Researchers Responses

“Take a rest and drink coffee.”

VIVO

When the researchers asked about their ways to discipline themselves

when it comes to smartphones. The VIVO answered that rest is a way that helps

to discipline oneself when it comes to overusing gadgets. They relax their mind,

hands, and the whole body. Drinking coffee is also a way to relax after they

use their gadgets, in this way they can discipline their selves.

The answer of VIVO is different from OPPO and APPLE. According to

VIVO he takes a rest and drinks coffee that is different from the answer of the

two other respondents. According to him, he takes a rest but he didn’t mention

that he set a specific time or deadline for gadget usage. And also according

to him, he drinks coffee when he takes a rest after using gadgets.

According to Indrakanti, A., Chutake, M., Prouty, S., Sundaranatha, V.,

and Koverkathu, V. (2018), gadget addiction are now indispensable in our

daily lives. Gadgets equipped with the internet have transformed our lives but
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gadgets can lead us to addiction. So it is important that we set aside time to

rest ourselves. Rest time is the way to prevent too much radiation from gadgets.

Interview Question 4: What are the effects of gadgets on your health? It is bad

or good?

Thematic Chart D
Gadgets as a Manipulator
Co-Researchers Responses

“Sometimes they are bad, especially on those days that

OPPO I exceed in using my gadgets. There are nights where I
can no longer feel sleepy, I also experience migraines
and anxiety attacks, all because of too much
radiation.”

“Well for my mental health it may affect my sleep time

VIVO and for the good to prevent loneliness.”

When the researchers asked about the bad and good effects of

gadgets on their health, OPPO answered, that gadgets have bad effects,

especially when she exceeds in using her gadgets. According to her, there are

nights that she can no longer feel sleepy. She also experiences a migraine and

anxiety attacks, and according to her, it is all because of too much radiation.

The answer of OPPO is connected to the answer of VIVO because according

to him gadgets affect his mental health, especially in his sleeping time. And
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according to him, gadgets prevent him from loneliness. According to the two

respondents, they experience sleep deprivation, also known as sleep

insufficiency or sleeplessness. They both experienced the condition of not

having adequate duration or quality of sleep that may lead to health issues.

The answers of the two respondents are very neutral. OPPO said that

sometimes it is bad which means sometimes it is good, on the other hand, VIVO

states that it affects his mental health which is bad and he also stated that it

prevents him from being lonely which is good. But aside from being neutral,

you can see from their answers that the bad side of using gadgets is

dominating. They pinpoint the bad things caused by the gadgets and their

effects on their bodies and mental health.

And according to Mong Jimenez, the negative effects of excessive

gadget use such as mobile phones, tablets, and computers can cause

physical and mental damage. According to the study, excessive gadget use

can lead to overweight and develop a seizure. This is connected to the answer

of the OPPO and VIVO, they experienced sleep insufficiency which can lead

to migraines. But also according to them, they escape the time of loneliness

because of gadgets.
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Thematic Chart D.1
Eyes as the Main Target
Co-Researchers Responses

“Masama mas lalong pinapalabo mata ko.”

APPLE

According to APPLE, the gadgets are too bad for the eyes, because of

overusing gadgets, APPLE is experiencing blurry visions and this phenomenon

is caused by gadgets. The words “mas pinapalabo” mean that her eyes are

already blurred in the first place and because of the gadgets, her eyes are

further blurring as time passed by.

Her answers are far different from the first two respondents because the

first two respondents, which are OPPO and VIVO, answered in neutral while

APPLE answered that using gadgets is very bad for her health especially for the

eyes. In line with that, they all stated that gadgets are bad for human health.

According to the Asian Institute Of Medical Sciences, the harmful effect

of digital screens on the eyes is also known as digital heroin. According to them,

you tend to blink less while using your phone, which irritates your eyes and

causes them to get bloodshot. This study is connected to the answer of APPLE,
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SENIOR HIGH SCHOOL DEPARTMENT 31

she experiences blurry visions which can lead to becoming digital heroin and

may cause her to get bloodshot.

Interview Question 5: As a student, what advice can you give to other students

having difficulties in separating themselves from their gadgets?

Thematic Chart E
Prioritize Technology Control
Co-Researchers Responses

“In my opinion, discipline is really the main solution.

OPPO Focus on your priorities and learn when to stop.”

“Uhm… Don’t waste your time in gadgets. We only live

VIVO once so enjoy every hour of your life seek for other
opportunity, and focus on your career that you been
wish for. Look for the disaster in your place to find out
whats wrong.”

APPLE “Itulog at ikain niyo na lang yan”

The fifth question asked by the researchers is all about the advice that

the co-researchers can give to other students having difficulties separating

themselves from their gadgets. First, OPPO stated that discipline is the main
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solution. Focus on your priorities and know when to stop. Followed by VIVO who

stated that you should not waste your time on gadgets. Enjoy your life, focus

on your career and discover the wrong things in your place. Lastly, APPLE

mentioned that we should eat and sleep instead of abusing our gadgets.

Make sure that you prioritize health over anything else.

The co-researchers have experiences with their responses, and they

were able to bring the message that everyone should know about using their

gadgets. They are fully aware of what's happening to the world of students

these days. Responses of the co-researchers shared how to control themselves

when using their technological devices and how this will help students discover

more about their lives. With their answers, they will bring awareness to students.

Gadgets have been a part of our daily lives. It's a challenge for many

to control themselves using technological devices, but they need to.

According to the Senate of the Philippines (2020), they raised an alarm over

the growing number of children in developed cities like Metro Manila and

Metro Cebu that are now suffering from myopia or near-sightedness due to the

constant use of electronic gadgets. So, these responses from the co-

researchers will help, especially in opening the eyes of many students who use

their gadgets abusively. These will not only help the students, but they will also

change and save our world.

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In addition, Gadgets have been a part of our daily lives. It's a challenge

for many to control themselves using technological devices, but they need to.

According to Hannah Torregoza (2020), technological devices making life

easier and more efficient are just some of the benefits brought about by the

advancement of technology. However, excessive use of mobile devices can

also lead to an array of negative effects and hazards. So, these responses from

the co-researchers will help, especially in opening the eyes of many students

who use their gadgets abusively. It won't only help the students, but it will also

change and save our world.

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4.0 CONCLUSIONS/REFLECTIONS AND DIRECTIONS FOR FUTURE USE

This portion consists of the summarized conclusions made by analyzing

the data from the co-researchers. This part also consists of the researchers’

reflections, statements, and recommendations. In line with that, all of the

findings and conclusions that have been made are derived from the co-

researchers’ answers. The following is a description of the main issue and sub-

questions:

What is the essence of the difficulties of Science Technology Engineering

and Mathematics (STEM) students being separated from their gadgets for a

while?

1. What themes emerged from the study?

This phenomenological study seeks the different kinds of information

from the Science Technology Engineering Mathematics (STEM) students

because the researchers want to know more things about the difficulties of

STEM students being separated from their gadgets. In addition, personal

information from the co-researchers like names, addresses, sections, and Gmail

accounts will be strictly kept confidentially between the researchers and the

co-researchers. The co-researchers’ responses with; what is the importance of

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gadgets in them, how long do they use their gadgets, do they spend more

time on gadgets than in their family, what is the advantages and the

disadvantages of these gadgets to them, is it really necessary to have gadgets

this time, do these gadgets really help them a lot, what are the effects of these

gadgets in their health, what are they doing to control their self from using their

gadgets, do their self-control works, and what are the consequences of

overusing their gadgets are examined wisely according to their themes. Every

question from the statement of the problem is analyzed very carefully with the

help of articles, theories, researches, and other kinds of literature. After all the

questions have been answered, the solution to the research problem will be

determined. Thus, the main thing that lacks in every STEM student is self-control.

Students are into technology nowadays and with that, almost every student

has their gadgets especially those students who are into online schooling. The

importance of accepting such deficiency students will finally grasp the

meaning of the research study's evolving theme.

The first emerging theme is that gadgets dominate over family. The

researchers want to know if these STEM students are either spending more time

in their family or maybe gadgets but as a result, all of them spent more time in

gadgets. Does the family are the second option now? The answer is no, the

reason is that students nowadays are into gadgets and gadgets are the most

important thing in their learning this pandemic. There are these students who
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use gadgets in online schooling and there are also these kinds of students who

are modular and using their gadgets to search and gain more knowledge on

the internet so that they can answer their modules wisely. But why is that when

the pandemic is not emerging, almost all of the students are into gadgets? The

answer is maybe these students are happier with their gadgets than with their

families.

Furthermore, the answer of the three respondents is very usual that they

almost spent half a day with their gadgets and one of them uses gadgets 24/7.

These kinds of students are purely out of control. Medical results are the only

ones missing so that they can consider as addicted one. Their self-control isn’t

enough to not exceed the average time of screen time for every human. Now,

if they can manage to spend more time with their family than their gadgets

then their family spirit will be healthy.

The second emerging theme has been entitled “Gadgets as a Friend

and an Enemy.” The researchers want to know if these gadgets are helpful to

humans or not, especially to students. As a result, they found out that these

gadgets are somewhat helpful and not.

Admittedly, both of the respondents stated that these gadgets are very

useful to them in terms of studying but aside from being useful, these gadgets

are also breaking them into pieces as time passes by. It is friendly to the point
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that these gadgets are being their source of communication and additional

knowledge but most of the time, it is an enemy that consumes your time in

nonsense and unnecessary things. It may also affect your academic when

used improperly that’s why self-control is the main point of this study.

The third emerging theme is all about learning in a technical way. The

researchers also want to know the use of gadgets and if it is useful or not and

there is this one respondent that stood up to a statement that these gadgets

are useful especially in learning that’s why it is entitled as Learning in a

technical way.

In addition, these gadgets are very helpful to us, especially when we

want to gather some information. Also, the researchers can’t make a study like

this without the use of gadgets. Although the researchers can make research-

based from the books, still it won’t be the same because there are so many

pieces of information on the internet that the books don’t have and

admittedly, all of the articles, pieces of literature, and researchers that are

included in this study are from the internet. And that is one of the importance

of gadgets in humans especially to students who need to gain more

knowledge while growing.

“Time as an alarm clock” is the fourth emerging theme which was

composed by the researchers from the answers of the respondents on the third
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question which is all about the ways they do to discipline themselves in using

gadgets. The researchers want to know what are the possible ways to control

themselves when it comes to the use of gadgets but unfortunately, this

question made a separation between the three (3) respondents. Only the two

sets their own time to limit the use of their gadgets.

In addition, both of the respondents are no longer different from each

other’s answers. So at this point, each of them experienced the same event in

terms of gadget usage. According to the statement of this two respondents, in

order to discipline themselves in using gadgets, they set a specific screen time,

that’s why they have time for something else. By setting a screen time in using

their gadgets, they limit the excess of radiation they receive from the gadget

they are using. Gareth Wood states, that self-discipline is the key and answer

to gadget addiction and according to the answer of the two respondents, a

specific time for gadgets is the key which is connected to Gareth Wood’s

statement.

The fifth emerging topic has been entitled “Chilling is a Must” where the

researchers also want to know how they manage to discipline themselves

when it comes to the use of gadgets. In this theme, only one remains. It’s like

chilling is the greatest medicine for him, and with the combination of coffee

also.
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Subsequently, according to VIVO, he takes a rest and drinks coffee after

using gadgets. His answer is way far different from the first two respondents. He

takes a rest but he didn’t mention that he set a specific time when using his

gadgets. With this statement of the respondent, it is easy to clarify that few

students manage discipline with themselves. So in that case rest is one way to

discipline their selves, it is also a very important tool to achieve self-discipline.

Rest can’t harm or hurt a person but it can help to improve students to manage

themselves in order to control and prevent gadget addiction.

Now for the sixth emerging theme, it is called “Gadgets as a

Manipulator.” The researchers want to know the effects of gadgets on human

health. They also want to distinguish if these gadgets are bad for human health

or not. And unfortunately, only two of the respondents justify their answers in

neutral. According to them, gadgets affect their mental health and sleeping

time. Mental health also includes emotional, psychological, and social well-

being which means that not only your thinking can be the product of overusing

your gadgets, it also affects your whole personality including the way you think,

feel, and act.

The seventh emerging theme is about the Eyes as the Main Target. The

same thing that the researchers want to know in the sixth emerging theme but

this one has a different answer. On the previous theme, both of the
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respondents are being neutral. But here, the last respondent, which is APPLE,

stated only the bad side of gadgets in human health.

The eyes are the main target of the gadgets, retina is a highly sensitive

part of the eye which is the thin layer of tissue at the back of the eye. Its

purpose is to receive light that the lens has focused on and convert it into

neural signals. In line with that, she used gadgets all day that’s why her visions

are continuously blurring as time passes by,

Lastly, the fifth emerging theme of the study has been entitled “Prioritize

Technology Control.” In this theme, the researchers want to know what advice

the respondents will give to their fellow students who spent almost half a day

facing the screen of their gadgets.

In line with that, the co-researchers gave advice to the students having

difficulties in separating themselves from using their gadgets. The co-

researchers mentioned their advice, as they are also people who used their

technological devices excessively. Co-researchers are aware of what's

happening these days, so they wanted to make a statement by spreading

messages to other students who use their technological devices excessively.

The most important thing is to be healthy, and self-discipline will help a person's

growth. Don't waste your time virtually, and enjoy more of the reality.
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Gadgets are important to life. Today, students use various electronic

gadgets in daily life. Gadgets increase our efficiency, make things compact, it

also encouraged innovation and creativity. Gadgets are a big part of the

educational field it helps to improve their skills and knowledge. It is

very important, especially for students to improve their knowledge and to be

prepared for a brighter future. But Spending long hours staring at a screen can

damage your body, especially the eyes. Excessive screen time not only strains

your eyes and leaves them feeling dry, but can also lead to retina damage

and blurred vision. For the students that are exposed too much to gadgets, it’s

time to limit yourselves to prevent the dangerous effects of gadgets, and what

they can do to a body. Discipline is the key to prevent gadget addiction, take

time to rest. Because gadgets are the ones who can destroy a person quietly.

So be careful when it comes to modern technologies especially smartphones,

because it can lead to anxiety, stress, and depression.

This research shows that gadgets have been a big thing in this

generation. As time goes by, gadgets continue to grow and improve. These

technological devices continue to impact the lives of many students. If it's

about the features and how they can help us, it looks like it's bringing a big help

to the world. But in this research, researchers were able to discover how it is

controlling everyone. Technological devices continue to take over, especially

students.
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Additionally, the co-researchers shared their experiences and

responded to the questions prepared by the researchers. They shared how

long they use gadgets in their daily lives. It shows how they use them for good

things, but it also shows how they abuse them. These can be good for their

tasks, but they will never be good for the health. All of these won't only affect

the student's future but also the whole world.

With this in mind, technological devices still helped the world to where

it is right now. Despite the harmful effects, our co-researchers shared how

gadgets helped them in their educational purposes. Without these devices,

the life of the students today would be hard. The gadgets that we have right

now have been considered "essential". So, discipline is the main key for the

people who are using it, especially students. Just like the co-researcher said,

students should learn to discipline themselves. People who use gadgets should

prioritize their health at all times. To conclude it all, it shows that the co-

researchers are fully aware of how technological devices control their minds.

Recommendations

The following recommendations are made based on the summarized

observations and reflections:

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 For the Government agency, specifically, the Department of

Health should make a national advertisement about the effect

of gadgets on humans when used improperly.

 For the youth, learn to have self-control when using your gadgets.

You should have the knowledge of what can gadgets bring to

you, especially their bad effects because when you use used

your gadgets uncontrollably, then the time will come that

gadgets are controlling you instead.

 For more reliable results, future research should extend to various

groups of people and the number of distributed questionnaires

should be increased in order to support and validate the finding.

 For different mass organizations, try to add the effects of gadgets

into your learnings. In that way, not only the readers of this

research, the school, and the students will be educated but also

the member of your organizations.

 For the School administrators who support this kind of

advocacy, they can conduct different kinds of programs about

the effects of gadgets on humans, especially to students. They

can also maximize the use of gadgets in their schools like having

time for gadgets, allowing or disallowing students to use

gadgets, or maybe only using gadgets when necessary.

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 For the teachers, have the right time to let your students use

their gadgets. Continue to teach them the advantages and

disadvantages of using gadgets and also its effects to humans if

used improperly.

 For the parents, observe the screen time of your child. If you

observed that your child has more time in gadgets than in your

family, then try to ask them if there is something wrong or limit

their use of gadgets because who knows that they are happier

when using gadgets than bonding with the family.

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5.0 REFERENCES

These are the sources of information that help the researchers finish

their study successfully and also this source of information really made a great

help in this study as a reference and basis.

1.0 INTRODUCTION (References)

Jimenez, M. (2018). Keeping Children Away From the Bad Effects of Gadget
Overuse. Retrieved from: https://www.worldvision.org.ph/stories/keeping-
children-away-bad-effects-gadget-
overuse/#:~:text=Excessive%20use%20of%20gadgets%20such,too%20much%2
0time%20using%20gadgets.

Chasanah, A.M., and Kilis, G. (2017). Adolescents' Gadget Addiction and

Family Functioning. Retrieved from: https://download.atlantis-
press.com/article/25899630.pdf

Lenhart, A. (2015). Teens, Social Media & Technology Overview 2015.

Retrieved from: https://www.pewresearch.org/internet/2015/04/09/teens-
social-media-technology-2015/
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Theoretical Framework

DECISION SCIENCES INSTITUTE (2017). A Grounded Theory Model of Mobile

Technology Addiction. Retrieved from: https://decisionsciences.org/wp-
content/uploads/2017/11/p1291757.pdf

UNCTAD (2021). Technology and Innovation Report 2021. Retrieved from:

https://unctad.org/system/files/official-document/tir2020_en.pdf

Herrero, J., Urueña, A., Torres, A., and Hidalgo, A.(2017). Socially Connected

but Still Isolated: Smartphone Addiction Decreases Social Support Over Time.

Retrieved from:

https://journals.sagepub.com/doi/full/10.1177/0894439317742611

Review of Related Literature and Study (Foreign)

Mani_bnl (2020). Advantages and Disadvantages of Gadgets in Our Life.

Retrieved from: https://gadgetgeeky.com/advantages-and-disadvantages-
of-gadgets/

RSPH (2017). Status of Mind. Retrieved from: https://www.rsph.org.uk/our-

work/campaigns/status-of-mind.html

Kopykitab Team (2020). Effects of Electronic Gadgets in Student Life. Retrieved

from: https://www.kopykitab.com/blog/effects-of-electronic-gadgets-in-
student-life/
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SENIOR HIGH SCHOOL DEPARTMENT 47

Review of Related Literature and Study (Local)

Cabrera, K.S. (2014). How technology helps improve study habits. Retrieved
from: https://manilastandard.net/mobile/article/162769

Senate of the Philippines (2020). De Lima wary of excessive use of gadgets

among children. Retrieved from:
http://legacy.senate.gov.ph/press_release/2018/0819_delima1.asp

Relano, D. (2018). Ways to limit your children’s gadget use. Retrieved from:

https://www.worldvision.org.ph/blog-for-children/ways-to-limit-your-childrens-

gadget-use/

2.0 METHODOLODY (References)

Research Design

Shi, Z. (2011). Phenomenology. Retrieved from:

https://ineducation.ca/ineducation/article/view/88/372

Slootman, M. (2018). A Mixed-Methods Approach. Retrieved from:

https://link.springer.com/chapter/10.1007/978-3-319-99596-0_3
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SENIOR HIGH SCHOOL DEPARTMENT 48

3.0 RESULTS AND DISCUSSIONS (References)

Thematic A

Jimenez, M. (2018). Keeping Children Away From the Bad Effects of Gadget
Overuse. Retrieved from: https://www.worldvision.org.ph/stories/keeping-
children-away-bad-effects-gadget-
overuse/#:~:text=Excessive%20use%20of%20gadgets%20such,too%20much%2
0time%20using%20gadgets

Thematic B

Mani_bnl (2020). Advantages and Disadvantages of Gadgets in Our Life.

Retrieved from: https://gadgetgeeky.com/advantages-and-disadvantages-
of-gadgets/

Kopykitab Team (2020). Effects of Electronic Gadgets in Student Life. Retrieved

from: https://www.kopykitab.com/blog/effects-of-electronic-gadgets-in-
student-life/

Thematic B.1

Collison, J. (2020). 10 Benefits and Uses of Electronic Gadgets in Learning.

Retrieved from: https://theaverageguy.tv/2020/04/07/10-benefits-and-uses-
of-electronic-gadgets-in-learning/
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Thematic C

Wood, G. (2014). The Fake Plastic Phone That Could Help Addicts Wean
Themselves of Their Mobile. Retrieved from:
https://www.dailymail.co.uk/sciencetech/article-2732317/The-fake-plastic-
phone-help-addicts-wean-mobile.html

Thematic C.1

Indrakanti, A., Chutake, M., Prouty, S., Sundaranatha, V., and Koverkathu, V.
(2018). Gadget Addiction. Retrieved from:
https://scet.berkeley.edu/reports/gadget-addiction/

Thematic D

Jimenez, M. Health and Nutrition (2018). Keeping Children Away From the Bad
Effects of Gadget Overuse. Retrieved from
https://www.worldvision.org.ph/stories/keeping-children-away-bad-effects-
gadget-overuse/

Thematic D.1

Asian Institute of Medical Sciences (2018). Don’t Let Your Electronic Gadgets
Ruin Your Eyes. Retrieved from: https://www.aimsindia.com/blog/dont-let-
your-electronic-gadgets-ruin-your-eyes/
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Thematic E

Senate of the Philippines (2020). De Lima wary of excessive use of gadgets

among children. Retrieved from:
http://legacy.senate.gov.ph/press_release/2018/0819_delima1.asp

Hannah Torregoza (2020). De Lima wants students’ use of phones, gadgets

regulated. Retrieved from: https://mb.com.ph/2020/02/02/de-lima-wants-
students-use-of-phones-gadgets-regulated/?amp