Jóvenes y uso problemático de las tecnologías durante la pandemia: una preocupación familiar

The situation of confinement, derived from the global pandemic caused by COVID-19, has led to a drastic change in our behaviors in the different spheres of our life. Thus, the performance of work activities, the realization of academic responsibilities and the occupation of leisure time have been conditioned by limited mobility and a greater stay in the home. Confinement has been linked to a greater consumption of technology in its different formats, generating concern in the family environment for an excessive use of them, as well as the possible consequences that could result. Under this perspective, this study aims to know the perception of 147 students from the University of Malaga about the concern of their families regarding the use of technology (internet, cell phones, video games, instant messaging and social networks) before and during confinement. The data, collected through a validated instrument, show that there is a greater family concern about the use of technologies during the confinement and that there are gender-based differences, with greater concern about the use of cell phones and instant messaging in women and video games in men.