SOCIAL MEDIA USE AND ITS PHYSICAL HEALTH IMPLICATIONS AMONG ADOLESCENTS IN PENE VILLAGE, EAST LOMBOK

Abstract

This study explored the perceived physical health implications of social media use among adolescents in Pene Village, Jerowaru District, East Lombok Regency. A descriptive qualitative design was used to understand adolescents' everyday digital routines and the health-related meanings attached to them. Twelve informants were selected through snowball sampling, consisting of seven adolescents, two parents, and three village stakeholders. Data were collected on 4-5 November 2025 through semi-structured interviews, non-participant observation, documentation, and a short Likert-scale questionnaire used only as supporting descriptive evidence. Data were analysed using the interactive model of Miles, Huberman, and Saldana through data condensation, data display, and conclusion drawing/verification, supported by source triangulation. Four themes emerged: intensive daily and nighttime social media use, delayed sleep and morning fatigue, eye discomfort after prolonged screen exposure, and reduced physical activity due to passive phone-based routines. The findings indicate perceived health implications rather than clinical or causal effects. The study contributes local rural evidence showing that adolescents' screen habits should be addressed through family screen-time agreements, school-based digital literacy and healthy lifestyle education, and village youth activity programs.