The association between depression and cannabis use with technology multitasking among Finnish university students – a pilot study

Multitasking with technology – the simultaneous use of two or more media devices – has increased in recent years. However, to date, little research has been done on the subject, and it is therefore important to gain more information on its effects. The aim of this preliminary study was to examine associations between technology multitasking, depression symptoms and cannabis use among Finnish university students; background factors which affect technology multitasking were also considered. The study was a cross-sectional study. Participants were Finnish university students (n = 260) and the data were gathered through a survey. The data were analyzed using descriptive statistics, independent t-test, correlation coefficient and linear regression analysis. The results demonstrated that specific background variables are associated with technology multitasking, whereas there was no significant association between depression symptoms and cannabis use with technology multitasking. It transpired that female gender, age and daily mobile phone use related significantly to technology multitasking. The study identified certain background factors which affect technology multitasking; technology multitasking was more common among girls and younger participants. There were no significant associations between technology multitasking and depression symptoms or cannabis use, but the results should be interpreted with caution due to the small study population. Instead, higher daily internet use was significantly associated with increased depression symptoms. Technology multitasking is a very recent subject for research, so it is important to improve our knowledge and gain new insights. The results can be used to design various health promotion projects, and multiple actors such as municipalities or organizations can use the data to e.g., plan targeted interventions.