INTERNET ADDICTION, DEPRESSION AND GUIDELINE DEVELOPMENT FOR PROMOTING DIGITAL LITERACY TO REDUCE INTERNET ADDICTION AND PREVENT DEPRESSIVE SYMPTOMS OF SENIOR HIGH SCHOOL STUDENTS

Abstract

               Objective: The purposes of this research were 1) to study addiction and depression behavior among senior high school students and 2) to develop and promote digital literacy to reduce internet addiction and depression.

               Methods: The author employed mixed-method research. The sample group included 1,005 senior high school students from several schools in Thailand and 10 key informants. The research instruments used were an internet addiction test, CES-D (Center for Epidemiological Studies-Depression Scale), and the Semi-structured interviews. Data were analyzed using descriptive statistics and content analysis.

               Results: The study found that: 1) Internet addiction is mainly caused by time management in internet usage. In terms of depression, secondary school students struggle the most with feelings and thoughts, namely self-esteem 2) In terms of the development and promotion of digital literacy to reduce internet addiction and depression, in the first component, the practical skill, students show a high level of aptitude in digital technology both in terms of theoretical and practical knowledge. In the second component, the thinking skill, the emphasis is made to ensure knowledge regarding creativity, awareness, thoughtfulness, ethics, and morals related to digital technology. In the third component, the collaboration skill, the focus is made for collaboration in promoting digital literacy to reduce internet addiction and depression among students. In the fourth component, the awareness skill, the awareness is promoted to students to realize the advantages and disadvantages of internet usage.

               Conclusion: Results from this study provided important information for the internet addiction prevention among senior high school students, to develop and promote digital literacy to reduce internet addiction and depression.