Exploring the Interplay between Technology Addiction and Swimming Participation: Insights from Secondary and High School Students

Abstract

The aim of the research is to analyze the technological addiction of middle and high school students in the context of swimming, by examining variables such as gender, school level, attitudes towards swimming, and participation in swimming. The study was carried out utilizing causal-comparative and correlational research methodologies. Study's target population comprises middle and high school students enrolled in Medan during the academic year of 2022-2023. The study's sample comprises 268 students, with 126 females and 146 males, who were selected from the population through convenience sampling. Technology Addiction Scale (TAS), Swimming Participation Scale (SPS) and Attitude Scale Towards Swimming (STS) were used as data collection tool. Study employed the independent samples t-test method to examine the potential differences in technology addiction, swimming attitude, and participation scores among students based on gender, school level, and regular sports participation variables. The study employed Pearson's moment product-moment correlation coefficient and regression analysis methods to examine the associations among students' technology dependence, swimming attitudes, and participation scores. According to the results, a significant difference was found between the technological addiction scores of the students who regularly do swimming and those who do not. Moreover, there wasn't significant difference between genders in swimming attitude and swimming participation scores. The higher levels of technological addiction observed among high school students compared to middle school students in the domains of instant messaging and overall technological addiction. The significant and negative relationships between attitude towards swimming, participation in swimming, and technological addiction emphasize the potential function of swimming as a protective factor against addictive behaviors.