Academic, Psychological, Behavioral Characteristics of Middle School Students in Busan by Type of Digital Device Use: An analysis using BELS

Objectives The purpose of this study was to analyze the types of digital device usage among middle school students in Busan and to explore their academic, psychological and emotional, and behavioral characteristics by the analyzed groups. Methods To achieve these goals, the study conducted a latent profile analysis based on data from the first year of middle school provided by the Busan Education Longitudinal Study(BELS) to classify the types of digital device use, and explore differences in student characteristics. Results First, we analyzed the types of digital device usage based on the amount of time spent on and the purpose for using smart devices and computers, and five groups were classified: Group 1 spent more time on computers and mainly for purposes other than studying. In addition, Group 1 spent more time on smart devices than other groups and used them for purposes other than studying. Group 2 used computers less than other groups and used smart devices mainly for studying. Group 3 was characterized by spending more time on computers and frequently using smart devices for study and non-study purposes than other groups. Group 4 was characterized by spending relatively little time on both computers and smart devices and using them less frequently, and Group 5 was characterized as using smart devices mainly. Second, we analyzed the differences in academic, emotional, and behavioral characteristics across the life of middle school students according to the type of digital device use, and found that there were significant differences among the potential groups. Conclusions Based on the results, this study suggested that it was necessary to devise appropriate interventions on the level and content of digital education for each type of digital device utilization and purpose of middle school students.