On Evaluating Gadget Usage and Family Bond Importance: A Descriptive-Correlational Study

Abstract

Problems related to gadget usage and family bonds include reduced quality time, distraction, attention deficit, eroded communication skills, impacts on child development, increased family conflicts, negative parental role modeling, a digital divide, privacy concerns, sleep disruption, and emotional disconnect. This study explored the relationship between gadget usage and family bond importance using a descriptive-correlational method with 200 parents from Libagon, Southern Leyte, Philippines, selected through purposeful sampling. Data analysis involved frequency counts, arithmetic mean, and Pearson's correlation coefficient, with a pre-survey form and semi-structured interview guide. Findings showed that most respondents were females aged 40 and above with three children, whose gadget use varied by hour. Shared family dinners, with a mean of 3.10, moderately indicated family bond importance. A slight inverse relationship was found between gadget usage and family bonds. The study concludes that gadget usage alone does not significantly affect family bond perceptions, suggesting the need for more nuanced research into interacting factors. Recommendations include promoting balanced technology use through educational programs and community initiatives, funding further research, launching public awareness campaigns, and advocating for work-life balance. Policies should focus on influential factors like family dynamics and cultural values to enable effective interventions and resource allocation.