Authors retain the copyright without restrictions for their published content in this journal. HSSR is a SHERPA ROMEO Green Journal.
Publishing License
This is an open-access article distributed under the terms of
IMPACT OF ONLINE CLASSES ON THE HEALTH AND WELLBEING OF YOUNG LEARNERS
Corresponding Author(s) : Manali Karmakar
Humanities & Social Sciences Reviews,
Vol. 9 No. 4 (2021): July
Abstract
Purpose of the study: The paper discusses the impact of digital education on the health and well-being of students who have been taking online classes since the onset of COVID-19. The paper also investigates the authenticity of the media reports that have been reporting about the decline in students' health due to the extensive presence of screen time.
Methodology: The study is primarily descriptive research with a qualitative and quantitative investigation of the narratives related to health issues such as impaired cognitive functions, eye problems, orthopaedic disorders, insomnia, depression, and anxiety. Google form as an online survey tool is used to collect data later compared with the media reports to conclude.
Main Findings: The findings conclude that students' responses corroborate with the narratives of emergent pathological culture reported by news agencies like The Times of India and The Hindu.
Application of the study: The present study will help sensitise the stakeholders of the society about the detrimental impact of online classes that might create ground for adopting immediate corrective measures for protecting the future of our nation.
Novelty/ Originality of the study: The study's novelty lies in its approach to offer a comparative study of the media reports and the students' responses to cognize the severity of the evolving health issues amidst the pandemic.
Keywords
Download Citation
Endnote/Zotero/Mendeley (RIS)BibTeX
- Agarwal, S., Bhartiya, S., Mithal, K., Shukla, P., & Dabas, G. (2021). Increase in ocular problems during COVID-19 pandemic in school going children- a survey based study. Indian journal of ophthalmology, 69(3), 777–778. https://doi.org/10.4103/ijo.IJO_2981_20 DOI: https://doi.org/10.4103/ijo.IJO_2981_20
- Aduba, D. E., & Mayowa-Adebara, O. (2021). Online Platforms Used for Teaching and Learning during the COVID-19 Era: The Case of LIS Students in Delta State University, Abraka. International Information & Library Review, 1–36. https://doi.org/10.1080/10572317.2020.1869903 DOI: https://doi.org/10.1080/10572317.2020.1869903
- Agarwal, R., Animesh, A., & Prasad, K. (2009). Research Note—Social Interactions and the “Digital Divideâ€: Explaining Variations in Internet Use. Information Systems Research, 20(2), 277–294. https://doi.org/10 .1287/isre.1080.0194 DOI: https://doi.org/10.1287/isre.1080.0194
- Anand, S. (2020). Are online classes wearing children out? India Today. https://www.indiatoday.in/india-today-insight/story/are-online-classes-wearing-children-out-1743399-2020-11-23
- Bridgland, V. M. E., Moeck, E. K., Green, D. M., Swain, T. L., Nayda, D. M., Matson, L. A., Hutchison, N. P., & Takarangi, M. K. T. (2021). Why the COVID-19 pandemic is a traumatic stressor. PLOS ONE, 16(1), e0240146. https://doi.org/10.1371/journal.pone.0240146 DOI: https://doi.org/10.1371/journal.pone.0240146
- Bhattacharya, S., Saleem, S., & Singh, A. (2020). Digital eye strain in the era of COVID-19 pandemic: An emerging public health threat. Indian Journal of Ophthalmology, 68(8), 1709. https://doi.org/10.41 03/ijo.ijo_1782_20 DOI: https://doi.org/10.4103/ijo.IJO_1782_20
- Bueno-Notivol, J., Gracia-GarcÃa, P., Olaya, B., Lasheras, I., López-Antón, R., & Santabárbara, J. (2021). Prevalence of depression during the COVID-19 outbreak: A meta-analysis of community-based studies. International Journal of Clinical and Health Psychology, 21(1), 100196. https://doi.org/1 0.1016/j.ijchp.2020.07.007 DOI: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ijchp.2020.07.007
- Bayne, T., Brainard, D., Byrne, R. W., Chittka, L., Clayton, N., Heyes, C., Mather, J., Ölveczky, B., Shadlen, M., Suddendorf, T., & Webb, B. (2019). What is cognition?. Current biology : CB, 29(13), R608–R615. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.cub.2019.05.044 DOI: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.cub.2019.05.044
- Chakraborty, P., Mittal, P., Gupta, M. S., Yadav, S., & Arora, A. (2020). Opinion of students on online education during the COVID â€19 pandemic. Human Behavior and Emerging Technologies, 0(0), 1–9. https://doi.org/10.1002/hbe2.240 DOI: https://doi.org/10.1002/hbe2.240
- Cherry, Kendra. (2019). “Cognitive Psychology: The Science of How We Think.†Very Well Mind. https://www.verywellmind.com
- Dhar, S. (2020). A 500% spike in online medical consults since March, finds a survey. The Times of India. https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/home/sunday-times/a-500-spike-in-online-medical-consults-since-march-finds-a-survey/articleshow/76548008.cms
- Greenberg, N., & Rafferty, L. (2021). Postâ€traumatic stress disorder in the aftermath of COVID â€19 pandemic. World Psychiatry, 20(1), 53–54. https://doi.org/10.1002/wps.20838 DOI: https://doi.org/10.1002/wps.20838
- Grabinger, R.S., Aplin C., & Brenner-Ponnappa, G. (2008).Supporting Learners with Cognitive Impairments in Online Environments. TechTrends, 52(1), 63–69. https://doi.org/10.1007/s11528-008-0114-4 DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s11528-008-0114-4
- Iwasinski, A. (2019). Do blue light glasses really work? Eye experts weigh in. WKMG. https://www.clickorlando.com/health/2019/11/18/do-blue-light-glasses-really
- Jha, A. K., & Arora, A. (2020). The neuropsychological impact of E-learning on children. Asian journal of psychiatry, 54, 102306. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ajp.2020.102306 DOI: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ajp.2020.102306
- Livingstone, S., & Helsper, E. (2007). Gradations in digital inclusion: children, young people and the digital divide. New Media & Society, 9(4), 671–696. https://doi.org/10.1177/1461444807080335 DOI: https://doi.org/10.1177/1461444807080335
- Iivari, N., Sharma, S., & Ventä-Olkkonen, L. (2020). Digital transformation of everyday life - How COVID-19 pandemic transformed the basic education of the young generation and why information management research should care?. International journal of information management, 55, 102183. https://doi.org/10.1016 /j.ijinfomgt.2020.102183 DOI: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ijinfomgt.2020.102183
- Khare, R., Mahour, J., Ohary, R., & Kumar, S. (2021). Impact of online classes, screen time, naps on sleep, and assessment of sleep-related problems in medical college students during lockdown due to coronavirus disease-19 pandemic. National Journal of Physiology, Pharmacy and Pharmacology, 11(1), 1. https://doi.org/10.54 55/njppp.2021.10.09235202006092020 DOI: https://doi.org/10.5455/njppp.2021.10.09235202006092020
- Kaur, Amarjot. (2020). Students lose sleep for overseas online classes. The Tribune. https://www.tribuneindia.com/news/coronavirus/students-lose-sleep-for-overseas-online-classes-145272
- Morin, C. M., & Carrier, J. (2021). The acute effects of the COVID-19 pandemic on insomnia and psychological symptoms. Sleep Medicine, 77, 346–347. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.sleep.2020.06.005 DOI: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.sleep.2020.06.005
- Mangis, Jessica. (2016) "Online learning and the effects on functional health: a pilot study" (2016). EWU Masters Thesis Collection. https://dc.ewu.edu/theses/386
- Magni, G., & Bilotta, F. (2016). Postoperative Cognitive Dysfunction. In H. Prabhakar (Ed.), Complications in Neoroanesthesia (pp. 411-422). Academic Press. https://10.1016/B978-0-12-804075-1.00041-9 DOI: https://doi.org/10.1016/B978-0-12-804075-1.00041-9
- Mendoza, Mylene. (2020). This is what happens to your brain during online classes. Lifestyle. https://www.candymag.com/lifestyle/what-happens-brain-online-classes-a00306-20200813
- Newfield, P. (2009). Postoperative cognitive dysfunction. F1000 Medicine Reports, 1, 0. https://doi.org/1 0.3410/m1-14 DOI: https://doi.org/10.3410/M1-14
- Bueno-Notivol, J., Gracia-GarcÃa, P., Olaya, B., Lasheras, I., López-Antón, R., & Santabárbara, J. (2021). Prevalence of depression during the COVID-19 outbreak: A meta-analysis of community-based studies. International journal of clinical and health psychology : IJCHP, 21(1), 100196. https://doi.org/10.10 16/j.ijchp.2020.07.007 DOI: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ijchp.2020.07.007
- Rajkumar, R. P. (2020). COVID-19 and mental health: A review of the existing literature. Asian Journal of Psychiatry, 52, 102066. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ajp.2020.102066 DOI: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ajp.2020.102066
- Rosenberg, R., Murphy, P., Zammit, G., Mayleben, D., Kumar, D., Dhadda, S., Filippov, G., LoPresti, A., & Moline, M. (2019). Comparison of Lemborexant With Placebo and Zolpidem Tartrate Extended Release for the Treatment of Older Adults With Insomnia Disorder. JAMA Network Open, 2(12), e1918254. https://doi.org/10.1001/jamanetworkopen.2019.18254 DOI: https://doi.org/10.1001/jamanetworkopen.2019.18254
- Roth, T. (2007). Insomnia: Definition, Prevalence, Etiology, and Consequences. Journal of Clinical Sleep Medicine, 3(5 suppl), 7–10. https://doi.org/10.5664/jcsm.26929 DOI: https://doi.org/10.5664/jcsm.26929
- Salari, N., Hosseinian-Far, A., Jalali, R., Vaisi-Raygani, A., Rasoulpoor, S., Mohammadi, M., Rasoulpoor, S., & Khaledi-Paveh, B. (2020). Prevalence of stress, anxiety, depression among the general population during the COVID-19 pandemic: a systematic review and meta-analysis. Globalization and Health, 16(1), 2–11. https://doi.org/10.1186/s12992-020-00589-w DOI: https://doi.org/10.1186/s12992-020-00589-w
- Shree, A., & Shukla, P. C. (2016). Intellectual Disability: Definition, classification, causes and characteristics. Learning Community-An International Journal of Educational and Social Development, 7(1), 9. https://doi.org/10.5958/2231-458x.2016.00002.6 DOI: https://doi.org/10.5958/2231-458X.2016.00002.6
- Saleem, S., Bhattacharya, S., & Singh, A. (2021). “Importance of effective communication during COVID-19 Infodemicâ€Are we prepared enough? A reality check! Journal of Family Medicine and Primary Care, 10(2), 1068. https://doi.org/10.4103/jfmpc.jfmpc_2072_20 DOI: https://doi.org/10.4103/jfmpc.jfmpc_2072_20
- Sharma, Kritika (2020). As online classes drag on, fatigued students losing interest, becoming asocial. The Print. https://theprint.in/india/education/as-online-classes-drag-on-fatigued-students-losing-interest-becoming-asocial-say-parents/542253/
- Tribune News Service. (2020). Students lose sleep for overseas online classes. Tribuneindia News Service. https://www.tribuneindia.com/news/coronavirus/students-lose-sleep-for-overseas-online-classes-145272
- The New Indian Express. (2020). Eyestrain from digital classes a major health concern for students. https://www.newindianexpress.com/cities/kochi/2020/jun/13/eyestrain-from-digital-classes-a-major-health-concern-for-students-2155908.html
- Walton, A. G. (2018). How Too Much Screen Time Affects Kids’ Bodies And Brains. Forbes. https://www.forbes.com/sites/alicegwalton/2018/04/16/how-too-much-screen-time-affects-kids-bodies-and-brains/?sh=1450ca241549
- Wong, C. W., Tsai, A., Jonas, J. B., Ohno-Matsui, K., Chen, J., Ang, M., & Ting, D. (2021). Digital Screen Time During the COVID-19 Pandemic: Risk for a Further Myopia Boom?. American journal of ophthalmology, 223, 333–337. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ajo.2020.07.034 DOI: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ajo.2020.07.034
- Walsh, J. J., Barnes, J. D., Cameron, J. D., Goldfield, G. S., Chaput, J. P., Gunnell, K. E., Ledoux, A. A., Zemek, R. L., & Tremblay, M. S. (2018). Associations between 24 hour movement behaviours and global cognition in US children: a cross-sectional observational study. The Lancet Child & Adolescent Health, 2(11), 783–791. https://doi.org/10.1016/s2352-4642(18)30278-5 DOI: https://doi.org/10.1016/S2352-4642(18)30278-5
References
Agarwal, S., Bhartiya, S., Mithal, K., Shukla, P., & Dabas, G. (2021). Increase in ocular problems during COVID-19 pandemic in school going children- a survey based study. Indian journal of ophthalmology, 69(3), 777–778. https://doi.org/10.4103/ijo.IJO_2981_20 DOI: https://doi.org/10.4103/ijo.IJO_2981_20
Aduba, D. E., & Mayowa-Adebara, O. (2021). Online Platforms Used for Teaching and Learning during the COVID-19 Era: The Case of LIS Students in Delta State University, Abraka. International Information & Library Review, 1–36. https://doi.org/10.1080/10572317.2020.1869903 DOI: https://doi.org/10.1080/10572317.2020.1869903
Agarwal, R., Animesh, A., & Prasad, K. (2009). Research Note—Social Interactions and the “Digital Divideâ€: Explaining Variations in Internet Use. Information Systems Research, 20(2), 277–294. https://doi.org/10 .1287/isre.1080.0194 DOI: https://doi.org/10.1287/isre.1080.0194
Anand, S. (2020). Are online classes wearing children out? India Today. https://www.indiatoday.in/india-today-insight/story/are-online-classes-wearing-children-out-1743399-2020-11-23
Bridgland, V. M. E., Moeck, E. K., Green, D. M., Swain, T. L., Nayda, D. M., Matson, L. A., Hutchison, N. P., & Takarangi, M. K. T. (2021). Why the COVID-19 pandemic is a traumatic stressor. PLOS ONE, 16(1), e0240146. https://doi.org/10.1371/journal.pone.0240146 DOI: https://doi.org/10.1371/journal.pone.0240146
Bhattacharya, S., Saleem, S., & Singh, A. (2020). Digital eye strain in the era of COVID-19 pandemic: An emerging public health threat. Indian Journal of Ophthalmology, 68(8), 1709. https://doi.org/10.41 03/ijo.ijo_1782_20 DOI: https://doi.org/10.4103/ijo.IJO_1782_20
Bueno-Notivol, J., Gracia-GarcÃa, P., Olaya, B., Lasheras, I., López-Antón, R., & Santabárbara, J. (2021). Prevalence of depression during the COVID-19 outbreak: A meta-analysis of community-based studies. International Journal of Clinical and Health Psychology, 21(1), 100196. https://doi.org/1 0.1016/j.ijchp.2020.07.007 DOI: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ijchp.2020.07.007
Bayne, T., Brainard, D., Byrne, R. W., Chittka, L., Clayton, N., Heyes, C., Mather, J., Ölveczky, B., Shadlen, M., Suddendorf, T., & Webb, B. (2019). What is cognition?. Current biology : CB, 29(13), R608–R615. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.cub.2019.05.044 DOI: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.cub.2019.05.044
Chakraborty, P., Mittal, P., Gupta, M. S., Yadav, S., & Arora, A. (2020). Opinion of students on online education during the COVID â€19 pandemic. Human Behavior and Emerging Technologies, 0(0), 1–9. https://doi.org/10.1002/hbe2.240 DOI: https://doi.org/10.1002/hbe2.240
Cherry, Kendra. (2019). “Cognitive Psychology: The Science of How We Think.†Very Well Mind. https://www.verywellmind.com
Dhar, S. (2020). A 500% spike in online medical consults since March, finds a survey. The Times of India. https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/home/sunday-times/a-500-spike-in-online-medical-consults-since-march-finds-a-survey/articleshow/76548008.cms
Greenberg, N., & Rafferty, L. (2021). Postâ€traumatic stress disorder in the aftermath of COVID â€19 pandemic. World Psychiatry, 20(1), 53–54. https://doi.org/10.1002/wps.20838 DOI: https://doi.org/10.1002/wps.20838
Grabinger, R.S., Aplin C., & Brenner-Ponnappa, G. (2008).Supporting Learners with Cognitive Impairments in Online Environments. TechTrends, 52(1), 63–69. https://doi.org/10.1007/s11528-008-0114-4 DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s11528-008-0114-4
Iwasinski, A. (2019). Do blue light glasses really work? Eye experts weigh in. WKMG. https://www.clickorlando.com/health/2019/11/18/do-blue-light-glasses-really
Jha, A. K., & Arora, A. (2020). The neuropsychological impact of E-learning on children. Asian journal of psychiatry, 54, 102306. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ajp.2020.102306 DOI: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ajp.2020.102306
Livingstone, S., & Helsper, E. (2007). Gradations in digital inclusion: children, young people and the digital divide. New Media & Society, 9(4), 671–696. https://doi.org/10.1177/1461444807080335 DOI: https://doi.org/10.1177/1461444807080335
Iivari, N., Sharma, S., & Ventä-Olkkonen, L. (2020). Digital transformation of everyday life - How COVID-19 pandemic transformed the basic education of the young generation and why information management research should care?. International journal of information management, 55, 102183. https://doi.org/10.1016 /j.ijinfomgt.2020.102183 DOI: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ijinfomgt.2020.102183
Khare, R., Mahour, J., Ohary, R., & Kumar, S. (2021). Impact of online classes, screen time, naps on sleep, and assessment of sleep-related problems in medical college students during lockdown due to coronavirus disease-19 pandemic. National Journal of Physiology, Pharmacy and Pharmacology, 11(1), 1. https://doi.org/10.54 55/njppp.2021.10.09235202006092020 DOI: https://doi.org/10.5455/njppp.2021.10.09235202006092020
Kaur, Amarjot. (2020). Students lose sleep for overseas online classes. The Tribune. https://www.tribuneindia.com/news/coronavirus/students-lose-sleep-for-overseas-online-classes-145272
Morin, C. M., & Carrier, J. (2021). The acute effects of the COVID-19 pandemic on insomnia and psychological symptoms. Sleep Medicine, 77, 346–347. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.sleep.2020.06.005 DOI: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.sleep.2020.06.005
Mangis, Jessica. (2016) "Online learning and the effects on functional health: a pilot study" (2016). EWU Masters Thesis Collection. https://dc.ewu.edu/theses/386
Magni, G., & Bilotta, F. (2016). Postoperative Cognitive Dysfunction. In H. Prabhakar (Ed.), Complications in Neoroanesthesia (pp. 411-422). Academic Press. https://10.1016/B978-0-12-804075-1.00041-9 DOI: https://doi.org/10.1016/B978-0-12-804075-1.00041-9
Mendoza, Mylene. (2020). This is what happens to your brain during online classes. Lifestyle. https://www.candymag.com/lifestyle/what-happens-brain-online-classes-a00306-20200813
Newfield, P. (2009). Postoperative cognitive dysfunction. F1000 Medicine Reports, 1, 0. https://doi.org/1 0.3410/m1-14 DOI: https://doi.org/10.3410/M1-14
Bueno-Notivol, J., Gracia-GarcÃa, P., Olaya, B., Lasheras, I., López-Antón, R., & Santabárbara, J. (2021). Prevalence of depression during the COVID-19 outbreak: A meta-analysis of community-based studies. International journal of clinical and health psychology : IJCHP, 21(1), 100196. https://doi.org/10.10 16/j.ijchp.2020.07.007 DOI: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ijchp.2020.07.007
Rajkumar, R. P. (2020). COVID-19 and mental health: A review of the existing literature. Asian Journal of Psychiatry, 52, 102066. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ajp.2020.102066 DOI: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ajp.2020.102066
Rosenberg, R., Murphy, P., Zammit, G., Mayleben, D., Kumar, D., Dhadda, S., Filippov, G., LoPresti, A., & Moline, M. (2019). Comparison of Lemborexant With Placebo and Zolpidem Tartrate Extended Release for the Treatment of Older Adults With Insomnia Disorder. JAMA Network Open, 2(12), e1918254. https://doi.org/10.1001/jamanetworkopen.2019.18254 DOI: https://doi.org/10.1001/jamanetworkopen.2019.18254
Roth, T. (2007). Insomnia: Definition, Prevalence, Etiology, and Consequences. Journal of Clinical Sleep Medicine, 3(5 suppl), 7–10. https://doi.org/10.5664/jcsm.26929 DOI: https://doi.org/10.5664/jcsm.26929
Salari, N., Hosseinian-Far, A., Jalali, R., Vaisi-Raygani, A., Rasoulpoor, S., Mohammadi, M., Rasoulpoor, S., & Khaledi-Paveh, B. (2020). Prevalence of stress, anxiety, depression among the general population during the COVID-19 pandemic: a systematic review and meta-analysis. Globalization and Health, 16(1), 2–11. https://doi.org/10.1186/s12992-020-00589-w DOI: https://doi.org/10.1186/s12992-020-00589-w
Shree, A., & Shukla, P. C. (2016). Intellectual Disability: Definition, classification, causes and characteristics. Learning Community-An International Journal of Educational and Social Development, 7(1), 9. https://doi.org/10.5958/2231-458x.2016.00002.6 DOI: https://doi.org/10.5958/2231-458X.2016.00002.6
Saleem, S., Bhattacharya, S., & Singh, A. (2021). “Importance of effective communication during COVID-19 Infodemicâ€Are we prepared enough? A reality check! Journal of Family Medicine and Primary Care, 10(2), 1068. https://doi.org/10.4103/jfmpc.jfmpc_2072_20 DOI: https://doi.org/10.4103/jfmpc.jfmpc_2072_20
Sharma, Kritika (2020). As online classes drag on, fatigued students losing interest, becoming asocial. The Print. https://theprint.in/india/education/as-online-classes-drag-on-fatigued-students-losing-interest-becoming-asocial-say-parents/542253/
Tribune News Service. (2020). Students lose sleep for overseas online classes. Tribuneindia News Service. https://www.tribuneindia.com/news/coronavirus/students-lose-sleep-for-overseas-online-classes-145272
The New Indian Express. (2020). Eyestrain from digital classes a major health concern for students. https://www.newindianexpress.com/cities/kochi/2020/jun/13/eyestrain-from-digital-classes-a-major-health-concern-for-students-2155908.html
Walton, A. G. (2018). How Too Much Screen Time Affects Kids’ Bodies And Brains. Forbes. https://www.forbes.com/sites/alicegwalton/2018/04/16/how-too-much-screen-time-affects-kids-bodies-and-brains/?sh=1450ca241549
Wong, C. W., Tsai, A., Jonas, J. B., Ohno-Matsui, K., Chen, J., Ang, M., & Ting, D. (2021). Digital Screen Time During the COVID-19 Pandemic: Risk for a Further Myopia Boom?. American journal of ophthalmology, 223, 333–337. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ajo.2020.07.034 DOI: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ajo.2020.07.034
Walsh, J. J., Barnes, J. D., Cameron, J. D., Goldfield, G. S., Chaput, J. P., Gunnell, K. E., Ledoux, A. A., Zemek, R. L., & Tremblay, M. S. (2018). Associations between 24 hour movement behaviours and global cognition in US children: a cross-sectional observational study. The Lancet Child & Adolescent Health, 2(11), 783–791. https://doi.org/10.1016/s2352-4642(18)30278-5 DOI: https://doi.org/10.1016/S2352-4642(18)30278-5