THE PROBLEM AND ITS SETTINGS

Introduction

Mobile phones have become ubiquitous and integral to many aspects of daily life,

including education. With the growing dependency on technology, mobile phones have

become the preferred device for communication, entertainment, and information access

for students (Parasuman, 2017). However, this dependency on mobile devices has

raised concerns about their impact on attention span all ovor the worls, particularly

among students. Attention span is the ability to concentrate on a task or activity for an

extended period without requiring frequent diversions.

Smartphones are designed to be addictive, with their constant notifications and easy

access to social media and other entertainment platforms. As users become more

dependent on their devices, they may struggle to stay focused on other tasks or

conversations. Additionally, the blue light emitted by smartphone screens has been

shown to disrupt sleep patterns, which can further impair attention span

There are currently 6.8 billion smartphone users globally (Statista, 2022). Given the

global population of 8 billion, this equates to a smartphone penetration rate of more than

80%. The number of smartphone users is also fast increasing over time, as indicated by

the fact that there were 3.7 billion smartphone users in 2016. In other words, the number

of smartphone users has climbed by an astounding 86.5 percent in just seven

years.Smartphone usage is predicted to rise further in the future years, surpassing

seven billion in 2024 and reaching 7.5 billion by 2026.

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 Learning opportunities abound as new and emerging technology emerge. These

prospects, however, raise concerns about the influence of new means of acquiring

knowledge on our brain and thinking. Many observers contend that Internet access has

a long-term negative impact on the brain. Attention, in particular, has been highlighted as

a cognitive function that has been severely influenced by the use of digital tools for

learning. This notion is challenged in this work by examining current understanding of

cognitive neuroscience of attention as well as research in educational settings on how

technologies influence learning.

With the widespread availability and use of mobile phones, questions have been

raised about their impact on cognitive abilities, particularly attention span. Many studies

have examined the effects of mobile phone use on various aspects of cognition,

including memory, attention, and concentration. However, limited research has focused

on the relationship between mobile phone usage and attention span of students.

Attention span is a crucial cognitive ability that plays a significant role in academic

success, as well as in daily life. Therefore, it is essential to investigate the impact of

mobile phone usage on attention span, especially among students who spend a

considerable amount of time using their mobile phones.

In the Philippines, there were approximately 79 million smartphone users in the

Philippines, reflecting an upward trend since 2017. It was predicted that by 2025, the

country would have approximately 91.5 million smartphone users (Statistica,

2022).Virtually everyone owns a smartphone or a computer, and the use of social media

platforms like Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram is widespread.With the constant

bombardment of notifications, messages, and emails, it's no wonder that our attention

span has become shorter in recent years. According to a study conducted by Microsoft,

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the average attention span of humans has decreased from 12 seconds to just eight

seconds over the past decade.

Mobile phones were traditionally regarded as a distraction in the classroom. While

this is still true, educators have gradually discovered that phones may be transformed

into learning tools thats why this is highly convenient for most typical Filipino students

and this type of learning tools is mostly used by the teachers of Naujan Municipal High

School(MunHi) because it can improved learning results, higher engagement among

students, and an easier capacity to keep students up to date with assignments.

The researchers conduct this study to find out the relatioship of smartphone usage

and attention span that may help in the development of strategies and interventions to

promote healthy smartphone habits, allowing individuals to reap the benefits of

technology without compromising their attention span or overall well-being particularly

for Senior High School Students in Naujan Municiipal High School.

Research Locale

Naujan Municipal High School is an academic institution which has been

established in the year 2000. It is one of the eleven public secondary schools in the

Municipality of Naujan.

It is located along the way of Barangay Andres Yiagan, less than 1 km from the

town proper of Naujan. A walking distance from the schools is the Extension Research

and Training Center. It is bound on the east by Mariano P. Leuterio Memorial

Elementary School and on the west by Naujan Technical College (NTC).

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 Fronting the school is the concreted municipal road while at the back is a mango

plantation own by the municipal government. The school ground in reality is often

inundated from the adjacent creek and Mag-asawang Tubig river. The 2010 flood with

the height of one foot, more or less, penetrated number of classrooms. Elevated

classrooms were saved from severe destruction of equipment. The continuous frequent

raining caused flood in the neighboring barangays justifying the regular absences of

students that may result to low performance level of the school. To antagonize and to

defy this fear, teachers and administrators tried to compensate through extra industry.

The strategic location of Andres Ylagan in the Municipality of Naujan make some of

the residents enjoy a moderate way of life. There are businesspeople who have enough

income from fishing and farming industry. They are the parents who affords to send their

children in the private schools in town namely Naujan Academy (NA) and Agustin

Gutierrez Memorial Academy (AGMA). The wide plains which almost occupy the whole

barangay are rice fields owned by only fe individuals and majority of the occupants are

tenants whose share is only one-third of the whole income.

Theoretical Framework

This study is founded on the Kahneman's Theory or Model of Attention that was

originally developed by Daniel Kahneman who is an Israeli-American Physcologist . It

falls under the grand theory of Cognitivism. According to Kahneman (1973), The

Attentional Control Theory (ACT) provides a framework for understanding how

smartphone usage affects attention span. According to the ACT, attention is a limited

resource and is controlled by two processes: the top-down process and the bottom-up

4
process. The top-down process is a conscious effort to focus attention while the bottom-

up process is an automatic response to sensory stimuli.

Attentional Control Theory (ACT) is a well-known psychological theory that

describes how attention is directed or guided. The theory argues that individuals have

the ability to focus their attentional resources either internally or externally. That is, they

can either focus on what is happening inside their minds, such as their thoughts and

emotions, or on the external world, such as the sights and sounds around them. The

theory posits that the ability to control focus is a vital aspect of our mental capacity and

plays a significant role in our psychological wellbeing.

This theory is related to the study because Kahneman (1973) also stated in the

context of smartphone usage, the constant notifications and updates from social media,

messaging apps, and email create a bottom-up attentional threat that interrupts the top-

down process of focusing attention. This leads to a cycle of constant distraction and

reduced attention span.

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Conceptual Framework

Mobile Phone Usage in terms

of; Level of Attention Span of
SHS Students of Naujan
a.) Entertainment Municipal High School
b.) Communication

Independent Variable Dependent Variable

Figure 1.Research Paradigm of the study

The researcher uses two rectangular figures to indicate that dependent and

independent variables the arrow signifies the relationship that the researcher is looking

forward to, as the arrow's direction leads toward the dependent variable. Moreover, the

independent variable of this study was the influence of Mobile Phone Usage in terms of

Entertainment and Communication which predict the dependent variable which is the

learner’s level of Attention Span.

Statement of the Problem

This study aims to investigate the relationship between the number of Smartphone

Usage and the level of Attention Span of Senior High School students in Naujan

Municipal High School.

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 This study is specifically seeks to answer the following questions:

1. What is the extent of influence of Mobile Phone Usage in terms of;

a.) Entertainment

b.) Communication

2. What is the extent of attention span of Senior High School Students in Naujan

Municipal High School?

3. Is there a relationship between the level of Mobile Phone Usage and the level of

Attention Span of Senior High School in Naujan Municipal High School?

Statement of the Hypothesis

There is no relationship between the level of Mobile Phone Usage and the level of

Attention Span of Senior High School Students in Naujan Municipal High School.

Significance of the Study

The study would be beneficial to the following:

Students. They would be able to learn more effectively and retain knowledge for

longer periods of time that may further improve the level of their Attention Span.

Teachers. This study will give them information to recognize and take part on

how they will help the students learning by knowing the importance of Smartphone

Usage.

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 Educational Department.They would able to use this study as a tool of

development of strategies and interventions to promote healthy smartphone habitsthat

may improve their student's learning experience.

Future Researchers. This study may give the information and ideas about the

relationship of Smartphone usage and Attention span of SHS students for the future

researchers

Scope and Delimitation

The respondents of the study are the SHS Students of Naujan Municipal High

School. This study is limited only to the relationship between the level of Smartphone

usage and the level of Attention Span of the respondents.

Definition of Terms

For better understanding of the study, the following terms are defined in the context of

this research.

Mobile Phones Usage - provide constant access to an endless and ever-improving

database of collective knowledge.

Entertainment- is a type of action that holds an audience's attention and interest while

also providing joy and delight

Attention Span - is the ability to use a variety of techniques and tools to assess student

attention, such as standardized tests, behavioral observation, and assessment of

academic achievement

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 Chapter 2

RELATED LITERATURE AND STUDIES

This chapter presents the relevant literature and studies that the researcher

considered in strengthening the importance of the present study. It also presents the

synthesis to fully understand the research for better comprehension of the study.

A. Related Literature

SMARTPHONE USAGE (Foreign)

Smartphone are powerful communication devices that were originally shown by

Motorola in 1973 and became commercially available in 1984 (Cooper, 2016).In 2018,

over 77% of Americans had a smartphone (Pew Research Center, 2018), which is

defined here as a mobile phone that performs many of the activities of a computer

(Alosaimi et al., 2016).

Furthermore, a meta-analysis of studies on the effects of smartphone use on

attention span reported that smartphones' constant notifications, multitasking

capabilities, and endless sources of entertainment make it challenging to focus on a

single task for prolonged periods (Rosen et al., 2013). In a related vein, another study

suggests that smartphone usage affects not only attention span during usage but also

impacts cognitive control capacities, which are crucial for a range of offline tasks (Wilmer

et al., 2017).

Moreover, the book by Adam Alter "Irresistible: The Rise of Addictive Technology

and the Business of Keeping Us Hooked" by Adam Alter (2017), emphasize how

technology, particularly smartphone usage, has changed our behavior and rewired our

brains, making us more susceptible to addiction.

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IMPORTANCE OF MOBILE PHONES (Foreign)

According to an article of Vats (2023), mobile phones are wireless, portable, long-

range communication devices. Prior to a few years ago, when cell phones were less

widely used, the cost of the equipment and user communication was rather high. But in

recent years, as mobile phone use has grown, their cost has significantly decreased,

and this has greatly aided in making them accessible to the average man. Today's

mobile phones are affordable, simple to use, comfortable, and come with practically all

of the newest features we want.

Everyone's preferred device today, whether they are young or old, is a mobile

phone. It now functions as a status symbol. If people are avoiding using their phones,

their life has been comma-delimited.Customers of mobile phone providers in Japan

receive free, instant notifications of earthquakes and other natural calamities. An

interactive menu accessible through the phone's Internet browser notifies the company if

the user is safe or in distress. In the event of an emergency, disaster response crews

can locate trapped or injured people using their mobile phones' signals or the small flare

detonator in every cell phone's battery.

There is no doubt that mobile phones have made life simpler and more comfortable.

Everyone stays in touch with their friends, family, and other known people. When we

want to speak with someone, we may just pick up the phone, dial their number, and

begin a conversation without having to write a letter or wait for the recipient to get it.

Using a mobile phone to communicate great distances is convenient. Holding a mobile

phone makes life so much simpler and faster.

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SMARTPHONE USAGE AND MOBILE TECHNOLOGY (Foreign)

Another article of Wilmer (2017) stated that while smartphones and other mobile

technologies are acknowledged as versatile and potent tools that, when used

responsibly, can enhance human cognition, there is also a growing concern that routine

use of these devices may negatively and persistently affect users' capacity for thought,

memory, pay attention, and emotion regulation. The goal of the current review is to

identify the functional domains in which there is growing evidence of a significant

relationship between smartphone technology and cognitive performance and to identify

those in which the scientific literature is not yet sufficiently developed to support any

conclusive findings. The review takes into consideration an expanding but still limited

area of research exploring the potential cognitive impacts of smartphone-related habits.

We concentrate our review primarily on three aspects of cognition: attention, memory,

and delay of gratification, which are clearly implicated in public discourse about the

effects of mobile technology. We then take into account evidence regarding the broader

relationships between smartphone usage and regular cognitive functioning. Along the

way, we examine limitations in empirical technique and interpretation, highlight striking

discoveries, and make recommendations for how the discipline may develop into a more

cogent and strong area of scientific research.

SMARTPHONE USAGE (Local)

Smartphones have become the primary source of entertainment, communication,

and information for most Filipinos.However, the overuse of smartphones has led to a

decrease in attention span – the amount of time people can focus on a particular task

before their mind begins to wander.

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 According to a survey conducted by Pew Research Center (2021), approximately

71% of Filipinos own a smartphone. This means that almost two-thirds of the population

has access to the internet, social media, and other interactive apps that can be

downloaded on these devices. As a result, smartphones have replaced televisions as

the primary source of entertainment, communication, and information for the majority of

Filipinos.

The rise of smartphone usage has brought about many benefits, but it has also

created a new set of challenges.The decrease in attention span caused by excessive

smartphone use has become a worry in the Philippines that must be addressed.

SMARTPHONES AND DAILY ACTIVITIES (Local)

According to a new study released by Nielsen Philippines,

Filipino smartphone users spend an average of 174 minutes every day online, or over thr

ee hours.At the same time, an international media and consumer research firm revealed

that three out of every four Filipinos who own smartphones now use them as their

primary Internet access point, indicating the growing influence that these mobile devices

have over previously reserved online activities for desktop and laptop computers.

Moreover, Nielsen's Evolving Digital Consumer research, Filipino smartphone users'

digital lives revolve primarily around entertainment, which takes up an average of 78

minutes per day among local users.Smartphone apps (technical shorthand for

'applications' or task-specific programs) occupied an average of 56 minutes per day,

while smartphone communications tasks consumed an average of 40 minutes per day.

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B. Related Studies

Foreign Studies

In the study conducted by Wang (2022), the Fourth Industrial Revolution has

sparked interest in educational changes aimed at incorporating information and

communication technology (ICT) into instruction. Smartphones have grown in popularity

as ICT gadgets. In this study, students were classified as "proactive" if they asked their

parents to purchase a smartphone for their personal use and "reactive" if their parents

provided them a smartphone without their asking. According to Heo and Lee (2021),

students who proactively asked their parents to buy them a smartphone provided

assurance to their parents that they could control themselves and not become addicted,

whereas if they were given a smartphone (without having to ask for it), they did not need

to provide any such guarantees to their parents. They characterized user addiction as

more than four hours of smartphone use each day (Peng et al., 2022).

On the other hand, Barrs proposed in his 2011 study that specific guidance and

explanation on how to The proper usage of cellphones in educational settings is critical

for effective learning. Thus, if If smartphones were to be utilized in school-related

learning activities, it would be more successful if it included talks between instructors

and pupils.

Several studies have investigated the relationship between attention span and

smartphone usage, with many finding a negative correlation between the two. In one

study, researchers found that heavy smartphone use was associated with decreased

attention span among college students (Kumar, 2016). Another study conducted on a

sample of high-school students found that those who spent more time on their

smartphones had lower sustained attention abilities (Lepp et al., 2015). Similarly, a study

13
of young adults found that frequent smartphone use was related to poorer attention and

memory (Fosselman et al., 2019).

Another study by Tanil and Yong (2020) shows that in this century, smartphones are

a common mode of communication that are likely toremain that way, particularly among

teenagers. The phone has changed from performing simply the most basic forms of

communication—calls—to serving as a substitute for computers and being used for web

surfing,Games, social networking platforms' instant messaging, and productivity at

workinstruments, like word processing. Undoubtedly, smartphones help us stay

connected, but many

People are now totally fixated on them. This preoccupation may result in negative

cognitive effects.functions and mood/affective states, although the implications of these

outcomes are still hotly contested among researchers.Smartphone dependence has

been associated with a type of psychological dependency that negatively affects our

affective "mood" states. For instance, anxiousness might make it difficult to pay attention

to information while a person is away from their devices. Heavy and moderate mobile

phone users, according to Cheever et al., reported heightened anxiousness as soon as

10 minutes into the experiment when their phone was taken away. High mobile phone

usage was found to be linked to a higher risk of 'nomophobia' (no mobile phone phobia),

a type of anxiety characterized by constant thought about one's own mobile phones and

the desire to stay in touch with the a device. Similar separation anxiety and other

negative thoughts were observed in other research when participants' smartphones were

confiscated or usage was forbidden. Participants said they frequently thought about their

smartphones even when they temporarily put them away (in bags or pockets), to the

point that it interfered with their daily activities task accomplishment. These results imply

14
that significant attachment to a smartphone has negative impacts on mood that are both

immediate and long-lasting, and appears to cause anxiety.

Local Studies

Additionally, the study by Gamora et. al., (2017) Learning is hampered by

performance gaps caused by students’ propensity to alternate between paying attention

in class and managing their digital gadgets. The purpose of this study was to assess the

level of digital distraction among university students. The purpose of the study was to

determine the degree of learning distraction caused by the use of digital devices, the

relevance of such use as perceived by the students in classroom activities, and whether

there is a significant correlation between such distraction and the student users when

grouped according to profile. Data from the respondents were collected using a

questionnaire that the researcher had created. The respondents response to the

questions demographics, the degree to which they utilize technology even in class, and

how frequently they use it outside of the classroom. With 117 participants taking the

English Proficiency course, the researchers used descriptive and correlational research

designs. SPSS was used to statistically examine the data. The researchers used one-

way ANOVA, the t-test, and the mean. According to the study's findings, respondents

use digital devices outside of the classroom for 5–6 hours every day. They frequently

utilize gadgets to download online programs, listen to music, dubsmash, make video

diaries, and connect with their social network. Demographics, how much they use

technology even in class, and how frequently they use it outside of the classroom are all

factors. The 117 participants in the English Proficiency course were subjected to

descriptive and correlational research designs by the researchers. Using SPSS, the

15
data were statistically examined. Mean, t-test, and one-way ANOVA were used by the

researchers. The study’s conclusions showed that respondents used digital devices for

non-classroom reasons for 5 to 6 hours per day. They frequently utilize gadgets to

communicate with their social network, listen to music, dubsmash, create video diaries,

and download internet software.

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 CHAPTER III

Research Methodology

This chapter presents the methodology to be employed by the researcher in

this study. It includes the research design, the respondents of the study, the instruments

used in gathering the data, instrument's reliability, and the statistical tool that will be used

in this study.

Research Design

Descriptive correlational design is used in research studies that aim to provide

static pictures of situations as well as establish the relationship between different

variables (McBurney & White, 2009).

A descriptive research aims to accurately and systematically describe a

population, situation or phenomenon. It can answer what, where, when and how

questions, but not why questions. A descriptive research design can use a wide variety

of research methods to investigate one or more variables (McCombes, 2022).

A correlational research design investigates relationships between variables

without the researcher controlling or manipulating any of them. A correlation reflects the

strength and/or direction of the relationship between two (or more) variables. The

direction of a correlation can be either positive or negative (Bhandari, 2022).

Correlational research is ideal for gathering data quickly from natural settings.

That helps the researcher to generalize the findings to real-life situations in a valid way.

There are a few situations where correlational research is an appropriate choice.

17
Respondents of the Study

The respondents of this study are all Grade 12 Students studying st Naujan

Municipal High School S.Y. 2022-2023. Stratified Random Sampling was used because

there are 228 students in Grade 12. There are 10 in STEM-Nikola Tesla, 7 in ABM-

Tencent, 8 in HUMSS-Harriet Tubman, 9 in HUMSS-Martin Luther King, 8 in HUMSS-

Mother Teresa and 8 in HUMSS-Mahatma Gandhi. In total, there were 50 respondents.

Population and Sample

This study used Stratefied Random Sampling. Stratefied Random Sampling

involves the division of population into a small subgroups known as strata.

Table 1.1

Summary of Respondents of the Study

Name of Section Total Population Percentage (%) Respondents

Abraham Lincoln 42 8% 4

Rosa Parks 42 9% 4

Nelson Mandela 42 9% 4

Microsoft 36 7% 4

Thomas Edison 31 6% 3

Temple Grandin 34 7% 3

14th Dalai Lama 37 8% 4

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Mahatma Gandhi 37 8% 4

Martin Luther 40 8% 4

Harriett Tubman 36 7% 4

Mother Theresa 39 8% 4

Tencent 32 7% 3

Nikola Tesla 43 9% 5

TOTAL 492 100% 50

Research Instruments

The research instrument used in the study is a questionnaire. These chosen

instruments will be used in the collection of data to test the validity and reliability of the

research study being conducted. Survey forms will be used in data collection. A

systematically prepared form with a set of questions designed to get and produce

responses from the respondents.

The survey contains thirty (20) self-made questions about the relationship of

Mobile Phone Usage and Attention Span of SHS Students in NMHS. In the process, the

researcher will provide printed questions, which will be given to the students for copies

and asked one by one by the researcher to attain the information needed for the

research.

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Reliability and Validity of the Instrument

Reliability is the degree to which a test is consistent and stable in measuring

whatever it is measuring. Reliability requires the administration of the same test to the

same respondents twice with a short time interval after the first test. On the other hand,

validity refers to whether or not the test measures what it claims to measure (Middleton,

2019).

The researcher tested its reliability because they utilized the self-made

questions that was tested using t-test. Where t-test is defined as a test to determine if

there is a difference between the responses of respondents and to measure its reliability.

Data Gathering Procedure

The researcher had allotted vigorous time and effort in developing the

questionnaire so as to serve its intended respondents. The survey was created using

suitable questions that were developed by the researcher.

The researcher will be asked for permission for every student that is suitable

for the survey, and they can start to receive the questionnaire that the researcher will be

given. And, as the respondent finished answering the given questions, the researcher

gathered the questionnaire and immediately tallied the information and data. The

participants also needed to allot their valuable time to answer the questions that the

researcher asked. The respondents were encouraged to answer the questions honestly

for the reliability of the study.

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Statistical Treatment of Data

Statistical techniques in analyzing and interpreting data and testing the

hypothesis of the study were frequencies, percentages, and mean for description for

descriptive statistics. Pearson product moment correlation coefficient commonly known

as Pearson's r, was used for the relationship that exist in the variables involved in the

study. It is the most commonly used measure of relationship when data are metric. It is

collected to show linear relationship between two variables (Garcia and Reganit, 2010).

T-test was used to determine the reliability of the instruments. These inferential

statistical tools helped the researcher to analyze and interpret the results.

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 Chapter IV

PRESENTATION, ANALYSIS, and INTERPRETATION of DATA

This chapter presents the analysis and interpretation of data collected by the

researchers in order to answer the questions of the study.

1. What is the extent of mobile phone usage in terms of learning and

entertainment?

Table 2. Mean Perception of SHS students to the Mobile Phone Usage in terms of

Learning and Entertainment

No Items Mean Description

.
1 I enjoy watching movies or TV shows in mobile phone. 4.34 Agree
2 I enjoy playing mobile games. 3.66 Agree
3 I find reading books in mobile phones entertaining (such as 3.54 Agree
wattpad)
4 I prefer using mobile phones for entertainment rather than 3.74 Agree
engaging in outdoor activities or sports.
5 Entertainment that I find in mobile phone plays an important 3.96 Agree
role in helping me to relax.
6 I gain more knowledge in using mobile phone. 3.86 Agree
7 Mobile phones enable us to have access to online library 3.88 Agree
services.
8 Relevant learning materials can get through mobile phones. 3.88 Agree
9 I can save relevant information pertaining to our school 3.98 Agree
work on mobile phones.
10 Mobile phone helps me suggest new ways to upskill and 4 Agree
boost my performance.
TOTAL MEAN 3.88 Agree

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 Table 2 presents the mean Perception of Senior High School students to the

extent of mobile phone usage in terms of entertainment and learning.

On item no.1 the respondents agreed by the mean of 4.34. This result implies

that Senior High School Students in NMHS enjoy watching tv or movies in mobile

phones. According to Holz, et al. (2015), mobile phones have entered our daily lives in

the same way as television sets did in the second half of the 20 th century. People are

increasingly using mobile devices while watching TV.

On item no.2 the respondents agreed by the mean of 3.66. This result implies

that the Senior High School students in NMHS enjoy playing mobile games. According to

Techbroll.com mobile games also enhance well-being. They keep users busy and allow

them to escape from stress, anxiety, and worries. Mobile games keep the users fully

engaged since these games require full concentration and engagement. These games

have different ways by which they keep our brains engaged and also help in the

development of different cognitive abilities. That is why, people enjoy playing mobile

games in mobile phone.

On item no.3 the respondents agreed by the mean of 3.54. This result implies

that the Senior High School students in NMHS find reading books entertaining through

the use of mobile phones. The result agrees to the study of Moran (2010), at the

University of Alberta, wherein according to their study they found that reading

comprehension was impaired when content was presented on a mobile-size screen

versus a larger computer screen. A simple explanation for this result was that, with a

small screen, users saw less of the text at any given time, so they had to rely more on

23
their memory to access contextual information needed during reading. In other words,

the smaller screen resulted in a higher working-memory load.

On item no.4 the respondents agreed by the mean of 3.74. This result implies

that the Senior High School students in NMHS prefer to use their mobile phones for

entertainment rather than doing outdoor activities. According to Medium.com,

researchers have pointed out that about a dozen of the outdoor sports or outdoor

activities that the previous generation enjoyed has now fallen out of favor with many

children from the present generation not even knowing what those games were. A study

found that about two-thirds of the screen-addicted kids of today have never made a

daisy chain and have never played along in the mud. Almost a third do not know how it

is to get soaked in the rain and face the wrath of their parents. Nowadays children have

the privilege to log into the internet and be entertained by video games, which did not

exist for the previous generation.

On item no. 5, the respondents agreed as evidence by the mean of 3.96. This

result conveys that Senior High School Students in NMHS believe that entertainment in

mobile phone plays an important role in helping them to relax. According to Alexandra

(2021), Entertainment Technology helps people relax and enjoy some free time. The

latest technology has revolutionized daily entertainment. Old ways such as recording on

records, tapes, and CDs, have made music more accessible across the world.

On item no. 6, the respondents agreed as evidence by the mean of 3.86. This

result conveys that Senior High School Students in NMHS gain more knowledge in using

mobile phone. According to Matthew Brew (2023), mobile technology has also hugely

impacted the workplace. The rise of mobile learning means that employers can now

24
provide highly engaging and accessible information directly through employees’

smartphones that can be accessed anywhere, and at any time.

On item no. 7, the respondents agreed as evidence by the mean of 3.88. This

result conveys that Senior High School Students in NMHS believe that mobile phone

enables them to have access to online library services. According to an article of Nowlan

(2013), the increase of mobile technology availability and the demand for accessible

mobile content, it is imperative that libraries examine how they can provide services to

their patrons within this medium in order to continue to provide valuable services. Mobile

technologies are constantly changing, so continuous assessment in this area is of

importance.

On item no. 8, the respondents agreed as evidence by the mean of 3.88. This

result conveys that Senior High School Students in NMHS get relevant learning

materials through mobile phones. According to Ozdamli, et al. (2011), mobile learning

(m-learning) as a kind of learning model allow learners to obtain learning materials

anywhere and anytime using mobile technologies and the Internet. In addition, the

characteristics of mobile learning should be organized, and the way they are applied to

mobile learning activities and the application methods and the duration of the application

time should be planned well in advance. Consequently, a deeper insight into theory-

based research is required to better understand the underlying motivations that lead

academics to adopting mobile learning elements and characteristics.

On item number 9, the respondents agreed as evidence by the mean of 3.98.

The degree of relationship indicates that the Senior High Students in NMHS are saving

relevant information pertaining to school work on mobile phones. This result agrees with

the study of Ahmad (2020), wherein it states that students were delighted about using

25
mobiles phones as an informative and collaboration tool for flexible and individualized

learning.

On item number 10, the respondents agreed as evidence by the mean of 4. This

result implies that the Senior High School students in NMHS believe that mobile phones

helps suggest new ways to upskill and boost ones’ performance. According to Hossain

(2019), as mobile phones technology advances, the device appears to be capable of

contributing to student learning and increased academic achievement. The recent rapid

increase in mobile phone use has had an impact on many aspects of our everyday lives,

notably those of students.

2. What is the extent of attention span among Senior High School Students in

NMHS?

Table 3. Mean Perception of SHS Students to the Attention Span

No. Items Mean Description

1 I find it challenging to maintain my focus on a 3.76 Agree
single task for an extended period of time.
2 I often find myself getting distracted by external 4.1 Agree
factors (e.g. noise, notifications) while trying to
work or study.
3 I tend to procrastinate or postpone tasks that 3.56 Agree
require a lot of mental effort or concentration.
4 I find it easier to stay focused on a task when I am 4.1 Agree
working in a quiet environment with minimal
distractions.
5 I frequently find myself multitasking or switching 3.9 Agree
between tasks in an attempt to stay productive.
6 I have noticed a decrease in my attention span 3.72 Agree
over the past few years due to increased exposure
to technology and social media.

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7 I often feel mentally drained or exhausted after 3.64 Agree
prolonged periods of focused work or study.
8 I believe that my attention span has a significant 3.96 Agree
impact on my academic or professional success.
9 I have tried various techniques or strategies to 3.9 Agree
improve my attention span, such as meditation or
time management apps.
10 I believe that attention span is a skill that can be 4.02 Agree
improved with practice and effort.
TOTAL MEAN 3.87 Agree

Table 3 presents the Mean Perception of the extent of Attention Span

On item number 1, the respondents agreed as evidence by the mean of 3.76.

This result implies that the Grade 12 Senior High School students of NMHS find it

challenging to maintain focus on a single task for an extended period of time. According

to May, et al. (2018), as multitasking interferes with attention it may lead to

working memory, lowering GPA, test performance, recall, reading comprehension, note-

taking, self-regulation, and efficiency.

On item number 2, the respondents agreed as evidence by the mean of 4.1. This

result implies that the Senior High School students in NMHS often see themselves

getting distracted by external factors (e.g. noise notifications) of mobile phones, while

trying to work or study. According to Leung (2015), being prepared for distractions is a

smart strategy and avoiding distractions is a better plan but it may also potentially

deplete one's cognitive and physical resources, making goal attainment difficult to

achieve. While some people are concerned with how to prevent distractions in general,

others may see interruptions as a possible incentive.

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 On item no. 3, the respondents agreed as evidence by the mean of 3.56. This

result conveys that Senior High School Students in NMHS tend to procrastinate or

postpone task that require a lot of mental effort or concentration. According to an article

by Svartdal, et al. (2020), procrastination is widespread among students, with

prevalence rates double or even triple the effort of the students. This increased

occurrence suggests that the academic atmosphere may appear to pupils to be

“procrastination friendly.” This imply that procrastination really voluntarily delaying tasks

despite expecting to be worse off.

On item no. 4, the respondents agreed as evidence by the mean of 4.1. This

result conveys that Senior High School Students in NMHS are able to find it easier to

stay focused on a task when they are working in a quiet environment with minimal

distraction. According to an article by Whisper Room (2020), people can focus and

concentrate better when there is silence, which will help them work more efficiently. The

ability to focus is one of the main reasons silence has become a crucial component of

daily living as the modern world and all of its noises bombard people’s brain at once.

Background noise frequently aids in the ability to concentrate on various things.

On item no. 5, the respondents agreed as evidence by the mean of 3.9. This

result conveys that Senior High School Students in NMHS frequently find themselves

multitasking or switching between tasks in an attempt to study productively. According to

Power (2019), students who multitask can cross off a lot of tasks from their to-do lists.

However, juggling multiple things at once impairs their performance on each one. When

kids multitask, they are not equally focusing on two activities at once. Instead, their

attention flits back and forth between the jobs.

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 On item no. 6, the respondents agreed as evidence by the mean of 3.72. This

result conveys that Senior High School Students in NMHS are able to noticed a

decrease in their attention span over the past few days due to increased exposure to

technology and media. According to Oaten (2022), the way that information is now

delivered to kids is another factor contributing to the shorter attention span. Since the

invention of the internet, students have grown accustomed to getting knowledge in

manageable chunks. They are used to skimming through texts rather than carefully

reading them or reading them in-depth. This tendency to skim can persist in their

academic work, making it challenging for them to concentrate on lengthy assignments or

lectures.

On item no. 7, the respondents indicated high extent as evidence by mean of

3.64. This implies that the Senior High School Students in NMHS are able to feel

mentally drained or exhausted or prolonged periods of focus works or study. According

to Coner (2023), while just under one third of the respondents perceived a positive effect

on the activism of their mental health, 60% of the respondents noted adverse

consequences to their psychological well-being.

On item no. 8, the respondents agreed as evidence by mean of 3.96. This

implies that the Senior High School Students in NMHS believe that attention span has

significant impact on their academic or their professional success. The result is

comparable to the study of Kiley (2014), therein the study focused on the effect of in-

class exercise prior to a lesson on first graders’ attention span. The study revealed that

class-led exercise prior to a lesson did significantly reduces student observed “offtask”

behaviors.

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 On item no. 9, the respondents agreed as evidence by mean of 3.9. This result

conveys that Senior High School Students in NMHS have tried various techniques or

strategies to improve their attention span such as meditation or time management apps.

According to the study of Almoslamani (2022), microstrategies and study habits are the

most preferred strategies by Saudi university students. Statistically significant

differences in the use of learning strategies were found between male and female

students in favor of the female students. The study also found that learning strategies

are a significant predictor of students’ academic achievement.

On item no. 10, the respondents indicated very high extent as evidence by mean

of 4.02. This result conveys that Senior High School Students in NMHS believe that

attention span is a skill that can be improved with practice and effort. According to Wooll

(2022), attention span refers to the ability to focus without letting unnecessary

distractions interrupt your work. It also affects people’s conversations and interactions,

with some people unable to concentrate on the person in front of them without losing

interest or becoming anxious.

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 3. Is there a relationship between the extent of mobile phone usage and

attention span among Senior high School Students in Naujan Municipal High

School?

Table 4. Correlation between Mobile Phone Usage and Attention Span of Senior

High School students in NMHS

Variable No. Of Computed r Description

Respondents
Mobile phone
50 Senior High Moderate
usage and attention 0.57
School students Correlation
span

Table 4 presents the correlation table between mobile phone usage and attention
span

As revealed in the correlation table between mobile phone usage and attention

span, there is a moderate relationship between the two variables. This implies that the

variables were directly proportional from each other. A higher influence from the mobile

phone usage would indicate a high of attention span. Exposure to natural setting helps

refill and restore attentional resources, according to the Attention Restoration Theory by

Kaplan (2010). This is because natural settings have fascinating qualities, are simple to

maintain, and give the impression that one is removed from the responsibilities of daily

life. Contrarily, metropolitan settings and technological innovations like mobile phones,

which frequently offer distractions and demand concentrated attentions, might drain

attentional resources. It has been suggested that excessive or continuous use of

cellphones may cause attentional fatigue and a shortening of the attention span. It can

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be challenging to maintain concentrate on a single job when notification, social media

feeds, and other stimuli are constantly present. This constant stimulation and divided

attention may negatively affect cognitive activities, including attention span and

concentration.

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 CHAPTER V

SUMMARY of FINDINGS, CONCLUSION and RECOMMENDATION

This chapter presents the summary of findings, conclusions, and

recommendations the researchers propose after having come up with their analysis.

Summary of Findings

Results of the analysis indicate the following findings:

1. Senior High School students in Naujan Municipal High School had a high

extent of mobile phone usage as indicated by the overall mean of 3.88.

2. Senior High School students in Naujan Municipal High School had a high

extent of attention span as revealed by the overall mean of 3.87.

3. Since the computed r-value is 0.57 it is evident that there was a moderate

relationship between the extent of mobile phone usage in terms of learning

and entertainment, and the extent of attention span of Senior High School

students in Naujan Municipal High School

Conclusions

Based on the foregoing findings, the researchers came up with the following

conclusions.

1. Senior High School students had a high extent of mobile phone usage, in

terms of learning and entertainment.

2. Senior High School had a high extent of attention span.

3. The extent of mobile phone usage has a moderate relationship with the

attention span of Senior High School students.

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Recommendations

After thorough analysis of the results of the study, the researchers came up with

the following recommendations.

1. Senior High School students are recommended to minimize their mobile

phone usage.

2. Senior High School students are recommended to maintain their attention

span level.

3. Future researcher is recommended to explore more on how the extent of

mobile phone usage affects the attention span of the students.

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