The Effect of Digital Literacy Education Based on Cognitive Behavioral Therapy on the Dependence on Digital Media of Middle School Students

Objectives This study aims to develop a digital literacy education program based on Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) and verify its effectiveness. Methods The objectives of the digital literacy education program are as follows. First, To enable students in the general user group to use digital media appropriately through CBT-based education, emphasizing that behavior and emotions can be managed through thinking. Second, To help students understand themselves, others, and digital society through self-concept education. Third, To ensure that cognitive changes are translated into behavioral changes through practical tasks. Results The digital literacy education program was designed following the counseling and psychological education program development model (Kim Chang-dae et al., 2022) and was reviewed by experts. Data collected through a pretest-posttest control group design were analyzed using SPSS 29.0 with Analysis of Covariance (ANCOVA). Conclusions The results of the study are as follows. First, After completing the program, the experimental group showed a decrease in over-dependence test scores compared to the control group. Second, The experimental group demonstrated improved digital citizenship test scores compared to the control group.