Unmasking the Impact: A Comprehensive Study on the Influence of COVID-19 Lockdown on Lifestyle, Internet Addiction, and Media Consumption Patterns among Adolescents and Young Adults in Pakistan

Abstract

Background: Amid the global COVID-19 pandemic, the youth in Pakistan faced substantial disruptions during the lockdown. Unprecedented restrictions and the swift adaptation to new circumstances reshaped daily life, amplifying the role of digital platforms. The altered landscape of the pandemic-induced lockdown serves as a unique lens to understand the dynamic interplay between evolving circumstances and the digital realm, shedding light on the experiences of the youth in Pakistan during this transformative period. Objective: To understand the effect of lockdown on lifestyle, internet addiction and media usage in adolescents and young adults aged 10 to 30 years. Methodology: A survey was from August 2021 to August 2022 using purposive sampling methodology. The respondents were approached through various social-media handles to fill out the Google-based questionnaire consisting of 50 questions divided into five sections (aims/ objectives and consent form, demographic information, effect on lifestyle, effect on media/ gadget usage and internet addiction score). Data analysis was done using Epi Info Version 6 software. Results: In this study involving 3600 participants, positive outcomes during the lockdown included strengthened family bonds (71.3%), improved mental well-being (19.7%), and increased confidence levels (11.3%). Challenges included disrupted routines, increased junk food consumption (22.1%), and notable weight gain (51.1%). Sleep patterns and social relationships were adversely affected, with a decrease in bonding with friends (71.3%) and relatives (49.9%). Smartphone usage for education and entertainment prevailed, but 43.7% acknowledged a sense of addiction to the internet. The median (IQR) addiction score was 33 (17-41). The median (IQR) addiction score for males was 27 (16-51) while that for females was 31 (19-41) (p < 0.12). In the age group of 10-20 years, 69.11% of respondents had a normal level of Kimberly score, while in the age group of 21-30 years, 31.34% of participants reported mild addiction while two of them reported severe addiction (chi-square: 21.67, p = <0.005). Conclusion: In summary, the study highlights the varied impacts of the lockdown on adolescents and young adults in Pakistan. Positive outcomes include strengthened family bonds and improved mental well-being, while challenges involve disrupted routines, increased junk food consumption, and notable weight gain. Sleep patterns and social relationships were negatively affected.