DIFFERENT TYPES OF SCREEN BEHAVIOR AND THE DEVELOPMENT OF PSYCHIATRIC DISORDERS IN ADOLESCENCE AND ADULTS IN ADJARA.

Abstract

Adolescents' daily lives have been greatly changed by the rapid spread of technology and the increased accessibility of screens. With the pervasive use of screens in daily life, understanding the relationship between screen habits and mental health is crucial. This research investigates the association between different types of screen behavior (social media, video games, and TV viewing) and mental health outcomes among adolescents in Adjara, Georgia. A cross-sectional method was used. A total of 384 samples were collected, and the study focused on two unique age groups, namely those aged 14 to 18 years and 19 to 24 years. The research revealed significant gender- and age-related differences in the association between screen behavior and mental health outcomes. The extensive users of social media, particularly females in the age group 19-24, have comparatively higher rates of depression identified through the self-report scale. Moreover, the research establishes a significant correlation between the levels of anxiety and the use of social networks and highlights the outcomes of screen time. Residency also appears to play the role of an independent variable that affects the mental health of teenage males, notably males aged 14-18, specifically in the context of self-esteem. Cultural and environmental differences such as differences between rural, high mountainous areas of Adjara, where people are more conservative and have less access to the internet, and the urban city center, where screen usage is more prevalent. These differences impacted self-esteem, with males in rural areas reporting higher self-esteem compared to their urban counterparts. Knowledge of these dynamics is crucial in constructing strategies that will ensure healthy screen habits and good mental health.