Eastern Visayas State University

College of Arts and Sciences

DEPARTMENT OF NATURAL SCIENCES
Arch. Lino Gonzaga Avenue, Tacloban City, Philippines 6500
Telefax: + 6 3 ( 0 5 3 ) 3 2 1 – 3 2 6 9
Email: natural.sciences@evsu.edu.ph | Website: www.evsu.edu.ph

Name: Ryzajane M. Daling Program/Year/Section: BSA - 1B

Course Code: Gen Ed 008 Class Schedule: T 09:00 – 12:00
Course Title: Science, Technology, and Society Date Submitted: November 28, 2023
Instructor: Ronnie O. Daganasol, LPT, MEd Date Checked:

Learning Task No. 1

Conceptualizing Scientific Idea

Idea: In today’s digital age, individuals, especially young people, are constantly bombarded
with notifications, messages, and social media updates. This constant connectivity can lead to
information overload, decreased focus, and a sense of always being “on”. Personally, I am
easily distracted by my cellphone and find myself spending hours mindlessly scrolling on
TikTok, Facebook, Instagram, and other social media platforms instead of studying. Hence,
my productivity weakened, and I had difficulties concentrating and completing my
assignments on time, leading to increased stress and anxiety. Moreover, I often get poor sleep
quality, eye strain, and social isolation, leading me to a sedentary lifestyle. With the growing
concerns and negative impacts associated with excessive technology use and social media
addiction, I came up with the idea of inventing or designing a device that helps mitigate or
limit the use of technology. This device acts similarly to a timer but with beneficial functions
related to the responsible use of technology. This timer will allow users to set a specific
duration of time during which their devices, such as smartphones or iPads, will be
inaccessible or limited in functionality. Once this is activated, the device is locked,
preventing access to social media apps, games, or other distracting features. Generally, this
concept of mine aims to promote healthier screen time habits and encourage a well-managed
lifestyle.

3.1 The name of my invention will be Tech-Free Timer. It is derived from the purpose
and functionality of the device itself. "Tech-Free" emphasizes the goal of the device, which is
to create a period of time free from technology and digital distractions. It signifies the
intention to disconnect from the constant influx of notifications, social media updates, and
other digital temptations. While the "Timer," pertains to the device's primary function of
measuring and controlling the duration of the tech-free period. It indicates that the device has
the capability to set a specific time limit during which access to technology is restricted or
limited. Technically, the device particularly aims to provide a designated period of time free
from technology, enabling individuals to take a break from digital distractions and focus on
other activities. The derivation of the name of my scientific idea is a discovery because it is
extracted from words already existing such as technology, free, and timer.

3.2 The invention of a Tech-Free Timer to reduce excessive use of technology is

supported by various scientific studies, principles, laws, and theories. Firstly, research in

EVSU’s Vision: A leading state university in technological and professional education

EVSU’s Mission: Develop a strong technologically and professionally competent productive human resource imbued with positive
values needed to propel sustainable development
Core Values: E – EXCELLENCE | V – VALUE-LADEN | S – SERVICE-DRIVEN | U – UNITY IN DIVERSITY
neuroscience and psychology has shown that excessive technology use can alter the brain's
reward system, leading to addictive behaviors. This understanding provides a scientific basis
for developing interventions that regulate and reduce technology use to break the addictive
cycle, which a Tech-Free Timer will offer. In addition, the Cognitive Load Theory, proposed
by John Sweller, suggests that our working memory capacity is limited, and excessive
information like constant digital notifications and some unnecessary issues circulating in
social media can overwhelm it, leading to decreased comprehension and retention. A Tech-
Free Timer could help manage this cognitive load by providing scheduled breaks from
technology. Furthermore, the concept of Circadian Rhythm, first explained by Franz Halberg,
that a natural, internal process that regulates the sleep-wake cycle and repeats roughly every
24 hours can be affected by light exposure, including the blue light emitted by screens.
Excessive screen time, especially before bed, can disrupt the circadian rhythm and lead to
sleep problems. A Tech-Free Timer could help by reminding users to turn off their devices
before bed. Another principle that supports my idea is proposed by B.F. Skinner, the operant
conditioning, which suggests that a reinforced behavior tends to be repeated. If using a Tech-
Free Timer leads to positive outcomes like better sleep, less stress, or improved productivity,
these benefits could serve as a reinforcement that encourages the continuous use of the timer.
Lastly, the Pareto Principle, or the 80/20 Rule, introduced by Vilfredo Pareto, states that, for
many events, roughly 80% of the effects come from 20% of the causes. If applied to
technology use, it could suggest that a small amount of focused, purposeful screen time can
be more beneficial than a large amount of unfocused time. With this, a Tech-Free Timer
could help users manage their screen time more effectively. The combination of this scientific
knowledge, principles, and insights from a variety of proponents and their theories, provide a
scientific foundation for the significant creation of the Tech-Free Timer to limit technology
use and help mitigate addiction, therefore empowering individuals to regain control over their
technology habits, promote healthier behaviors, and reduce the negative impacts of excessive
technology use on their well-being.

3.3 The Tech-Free Timer primarily solves numerous problems associated with excessive
technology use and social media addiction of individuals, especially among teens and young
adults. It addresses the negative impacts of constant connectivity and digital distractions, such
as decreased productivity, impaired focus, and strained relationships. By creating designated
periods of time free from technology, the Tech-Free Timer allows individuals to break free
from the addictive cycle of social media and regain control over their technology usage. It
promotes healthy digital well-being by providing regular breaks, reducing exposure to
potentially harmful online content, and encouraging engagement in offline activities that
support mental health. Additionally, the Tech-Free Timer helps individuals establish healthier
sleep habits by reducing screen time before bed, contributing to better sleep quality and
overall health. By fostering stronger social connections and encouraging face-to-face
interactions, it addresses the problem of social isolation and promotes the development of
meaningful relationships. Overall, the Tech-Free Timer empowers individuals to establish a

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healthier relationship with technology, prioritize their well-being, and find a better balance in
their digital lives.

References

Auld, S. (2019). Social Media and Low Self-Esteem. Australian Christian College. Retrieved
on: November 25, 2023. Retrieved from: https://www.acc.edu.au/blog/social-media-
low-self-esteem/
Dwyer, D., Kreier, R. & Sanmartin, M. (2020). Technology Use: Too Much of a Good Thing.
Springer Link. Retrieved on: November 25, 2023. Retrieved from:
https://link.springer.com/article/10.1007/s11293-020-09683-1
Evans, O. (2023). Pareto Principle (The 80/20 Rule). Simply Psychology. Retrieved on:
November 25, 2023. Retrieved from: https://www.simplypsychology.org/pareto-
principle.html
Gomes, M. (2018). Five Reasons To Take A Break From Screens. Greater Good Magazine.
Retrieved on: November 25, 2023. Retrieved from:
https://greatergood.berkeley.edu/article/item/five_reasons_to_take_a_break_from_scr
eens
Hamrud, E. (2021). Technology Really is Changing Human Circadian Rhythms, Scientists
Say. Science Alert. Retrieved on: November 25, 2023. Retrieved from:
https://www.sciencealert.com/technology-really-is-changing-human-circadian-
rhythms-scientists-say
Johnson, J. (2023). Negative Effects of Technology: What to Know. Medical News Today.
Retrieved on: November 25, 2023. Retrieved from:
https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/negative-effects-of-technology
Laoyan, S. (2022). Understanding the Pareto Principle (The 80/20 Rule). Asana. Retrieved
on: November 25, 2023. Retrieved from: https://asana.com/resources/pareto-
principle-80-20-rule
Main, P. (2022). Cognitive Load Theory: A Teacher’s Guide. Structural Learning. Retrieved
on: November 25, 2023. Retrieved from:
https://www.structural-learning.com/post/cognitive-load-theory-a-teachers-guide
Main, P. (2023). Skinner’s Theories. Structural Learning. Retrieved on: November 25, 2023.
Retrieved from: https://www.structural-learning.com/post/skinners-theories
Mcleod, S. (2023). Operant Conditioning. Simply Psychology. Retrieved on: November 25,
2023. Retrieved from: https://www.simplypsychology.org/operant-conditioning.html

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Small, G. W., Lee, J., Kaufman, A., Jalil, J., Siddharth, P., Gaddipati, H., Moody, T. D., &
Bookheimer, S. Y. (2020). Brain health consequences of digital technology use.
Dialogues in Clinical Neuroscience. Retrieved on: November 25, 2023. Retrieved
from: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC7366948/
Suni, E. & Singh, A. (2022). Circadian Rhythm. Sleep Foundation. Retrieved on: November
25, 2023. Retrieved from: https://www.sleepfoundation.org/circadian-rhythm
Suni, E. & Singh, A. (2022). Technology in the Bedroom. Sleep Foundation. Retrieved on:
November 25, 2023. Retrieved from: https://www.sleepfoundation.org/bedroom-
environment/technology-in-the-bedroom

Rubric

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 Criteria Description Points
The idea is interesting, new, or helpful, making an original
Novelty of the idea
contribution that includes identifying a previously unknown
and contexts
problem, issue, or purpose. Ideas represent a startling variety of
(40%)
important concepts from different contexts or disciplines.
Ideas are combined in original and surprising ways to solve a
Variety of sources problem, address an issue, or make something new. The idea
(25%) was drawn from a wide variety of sources, including different
texts, media, resource persons, or personal experiences.
Information is very organized into excellently constructed
Organization
paragraphs. An introductory sentence, at least 3 details, and a
(15%)
concluding sentence are provided.
Grammar and Rules of grammar, usage, and punctuation are followed;
Mechanics spelling is correct. Language is clear and precise; sentences
(10%) display consistently strong, varied structure.
References contain more than the required academic reference
Reference
(3) and text reference. Follows APA guidelines of components:
(5%)
12-point font, hanging indent.
Timeliness
The learning task is submitted on or before the deadline.
(5%)
TOTAL

Source: From How to Create and Use Rubrics for Formative Assessment and Grading (p. 54),
by Susan M. Brookhart, 2013, Alexandria, VA: ASCD. Copyright 2013 by ASCD.

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