Mini Research on Cell Phone Usage
Mini Research on Cell Phone Usage
Calculating a student's own percentile rank offers a comparative insight into where they stand among their peers in terms of cell phone usage. For example, a student's usage of 13 hours places them at the 30th percentile, meaning their usage is higher than 30% of their peers and lower than 70%, providing a specific context of personal usage relative to the group's distribution .
The study suggests a detrimental relationship between cell phone use and social interaction, noting that heavy reliance on mobile communication can substitute and diminish adequate personal interaction. This can result in a loss of social contact, which impacts mental health negatively .
The study implicitly underscores the increased dependency on technology during the pandemic, with online classes necessitating more extensive gadget use. This reflects both the adaptability of educational processes through technology and the consequent rise in screen time, posing potential health challenges due to excessive use .
The mini research study indicates that excessive cell phone usage can have several negative impacts on teenagers. It reports a higher likelihood of developing brain cancer due to radio waves, and attributes symptoms like headaches, decreased attention, short temper, sleep disorders, and depression to extensive phone use. The study highlights the issue of reduced human interaction being compensated by mobile communication, which is inadequate for fulfilling personal interaction needs .
The study defines a smartphone as a wireless handheld device that extends beyond making and receiving calls to include functionalities like web browsing, games, cameras, video players, and navigation systems. It highlights that smartphones are used for texting, social media, taking selfies, reading news, online shopping, and more, contributing to their widespread use .
The researcher used a survey method to gather data, selecting 10 Grade 10 students from Cabancalan National High School. Data was collected through online chatting using a social media app, Messenger, where students were asked about their daily cell phone usage. Statistical measures like quartiles and percentiles were then calculated from this data .
The research data indicates that the median cell phone usage among students is represented by the 5th decile, which is calculated to be 14 hours. This means that half of the students use their phones for less than or equal to 14 hours, and the other half use it for more, suggesting significant screen time usage across the student cohort .
The calculation of the 1st quartile shows that 25% of the students spend less than or exactly 12 hours using their cell phones daily. This statistical measure helps to understand the lower end of the data distribution and indicates that the majority (75%) of students spend more than 12 hours on their phones, highlighting excessive usage .
The study emphasizes referencing external sources to provide credible and authoritative background information, thus strengthening the validity of the research findings. These references ensure the study is grounded in established knowledge about the use and effects of smartphones, offering a broader context for its conclusions .
The study recommends that students reduce cell phone usage to prevent harmful effects. It suggests engaging in exercise or active recreational activities instead of playing video games, browsing social media apps, or watching videos for long hours, to stay physically healthy and fit .




