The Effects of Digital Fatigue on Mental Health in Seafarers: Delphi and Multiple Regression Analysis

Abstract

The process of digitalisation has been found to exert a considerable influence on the mental wellbeing of those engaged in maritime activities, as well as on the prevalence of digital fatigue. The aim of this study is to analyse the effects of digital fatigue on seafarers' mental health. In the study, the data collected through questionnaires were subjected to analysis using regression analysis and the Delphi method. The findings indicate that prolonged screen use, an intensive digital workload, irregular sleep patterns and social isolation are the primary factors contributing to an increased prevalence of mental health issues among seafarers. In particular, digital communication and screen exposure have been identified as having a detrimental impact on mental health. Furthermore, it was determined that the implementation of stress management and psychological support mechanisms can effectively mitigate the adverse effects observed. The participants were predominantly young and had extensive experience with digital technology. Of the 150 seafarers who took part in the study, 70% were male and aged between 26 and 35 years. The findings indicate the necessity for strategic approaches to the management of the psycho-social risks associated with digitalisation. From the findings, only stress management indicates a negative correlation. These include the limitation of digital device usage, the implementation of social support programmes and the introduction of measures for stress management. These results are of significant value to ship-owning companies and maritime authorities, providing guidance on the protection of seafarers' mental health and the reduction of digital fatigue.

Keywords

• Digital fatique
• Mental Health
• Seafarers
• Maritime Business
• Regression Analysis
• Delphi

Gemi Adamlarında Dijital Yorgunluğunun Mental Sağlık Üzerindeki Etkileri: Delphi ve Çoklu Regresyon Analizi

Abstract

Dijitalleşme, gemi adamlarının zihinsel sağlığı ve dijital yorgunluk düzeyleri üzerinde önemli etkiler yaratmaktadır. Bu çalışmanın amacı, dijital yorgunluğun gemi adamlarının zihinsel sağlığı üzerindeki etkilerini analiz etmektir. Araştırmada, anket yoluyla toplanan veriler regresyon analizi ve Delphi yöntemiyle değerlendirilmiştir. Bulgular, uzun süreli ekran kullanımı, yoğun dijital iş yükü, düzensiz uyku ve sosyal izolasyonun, gemi adamlarının zihinsel sağlık sorunlarını artıran başlıca faktörler olduğunu göstermektedir. Özellikle dijital iletişim ve ekran maruziyeti, zihinsel sağlık üzerinde olumsuz etkilere sahiptir. Ayrıca, stres yönetimi ve psikolojik destek mekanizmalarının bu etkileri hafifletmede olumlu katkı sağladığı tespit edilmiştir. Katılımcılar çoğunlukla genç ve dijital teknolojiye yoğun şekilde maruz kalan bir grup olup, araştırmaya katılan 150 gemi adamının %70’i erkek ve 26-35 yaş aralığındadır. Bulgulardan sadece stres yönetimi negatif korolasyona işaret etmektedir. Bulgular, dijitalleşmenin getirdiği psiko-sosyal risklerin yönetimi için dijital cihaz kullanımının sınırlandırılması, sosyal destek programlarının uygulanması ve stres yönetimine yönelik önlemler alınması gibi stratejik yaklaşımları önermektedir. Bu sonuçlar, gemi sahibi şirketler ve denizcilik otoriteleri için gemi adamlarının zihinsel sağlığını koruma ve dijital yorgunluğu azaltma konularında yol gösterici niteliktedir.

Keywords

• Dijital Yorgunluk
• Mental Sağlık
• Gemi Adamları
• Denizcilik İşletmeleri
• Regresyon Analizi
• Delphi

References

1. Ahsan, S., Rasheed, A., Zonash, R. (2019). Impact of internet gaming disorder on self-efficacy and self-doubt among university students. Pakistan Journal of Physiology, 15(4): 38-41. doi:10.69656/pjp. v15i4.1155.
2. Alonso, F., Esteban, C., Useche, S.A., López de Cózar, E. (2016). Prevalence of physical and mental fatigue symptoms on Spanish drivers and its incidence on driving safety. Advances in Psychology and Neuroscience, 1(2): 10-18. doi: 10.11648/j.apn.20160102.12.
3. Altunışık, R. (2008). Anketlerde veri kalitesinin iyileştirilmesi için öntest pilot test yöntemleri. Pazarlama ve Pazarlama Araştırmaları Dergisi, 1(2): 1-17.
4. Amanuel, A. (2023). How digitalization is affecting maritime safety and the work environment of the crew-A study of technological advances and its effect on end-users onboard an LNG vessel. Master Thesis, Chalmers University of Technology, Goteborg.
5. Arıcan, O.H., Unal, A., Arslan, O., Bamyacı, M. (2022). A Dry Cargo Coaster Tonnage Selection Model for Shipping Companies in Turkey. Kent Akademisi, 15(4): 1651-1669. doi:10.35674/kent.1017076.
6. Arıcan, O.H., Arslan, O., Unal, A.U. (2023). The importance of CATZOC in passage planning and prioritization of strategies for safe navigation. Marine Science and Technology Bulletin, 12(4): 445-458. doi:10.33714/masteb.1333432.
7. Aulia, T.N., Asbari, M. (2023). Bahaya digital fatigue pada kesehatan mental: Analisis singkat perspektif Rhenald Kasali. Jurnal Manajemen Pendidikan, 1(01): 30-33.
8. Ayyagari, R., Grover, V., Purvis, R. (2011). Technostress: Technological antecedents and implications. MIS Quarterly, 35(4): 831–858.

9. Bailenson, J.N. (2021). Nonverbal overload: A theoretical argument for the causes of Zoom fatigue, Techonologhy, Mind and Behaviour, 2(1): 1-6. doi: 10.1037/tmb0000030.
10. Baş, Y.Ç., Doymuş, M. (2023). Denizcilik Sektöründe Çalışan Gemi Adamlarının Ruhsal Durumları ile İlişkili Faktörler: Sistematik Derleme. Dokuz Eylül Üniversitesi Denizcilik Fakültesi Dergisi, 15(2): 256-276. doi:10.18613/deudfd.1395443.
11. Baygi, F., Shidfar, F., Sheidaei, A., Farshad, A., Mansourian, M., Blome, C., (2022). Psychosocial issues and sleep quality among seafarers: a mixed methods study. BMC Public Health, 22(695): 4-10.
12. Bhati, N., Pal, Y., Talwar, T. (2022). Social Media Fatigue and Academic Performance, Gender Differences, In Gender Equity, Challenges and Opportunities, Proceedings of 2nd International Conference of Sardar Vallabhbhai National Institute of Technology, Vol 1, 331-337, Singapore.
13. Borghouts, J., Eikey, E., Mark, G., De Leon, C., Schueller, S.M., Schneider, M., Sorkin, D.H. (2021). Barriers to and facilitators of user engagement with digital mental health interventions: systematic review. Journal of medical Internet research, 23(3): e24387. doi:10.2196/24387.
14. Dalkey, N.C., Helmer, O. (1963). An experimental application of the Delphi Method to the use of experts. Management Science, 9: 458–467. doi:10.1287/mnsc.9.3.458.
15. Daniel, L., Robin, S., Aleksander, M. (2022). Future Facts: Unveiling Mental Health Issues in the Digital Age. Fusion of Multidisciplinary Research, An International Journal, 3(2): 354-365.
16. Dolsen, D.E., Machlis, G.E. (1991). Response rates and mail recreation survey results: how much is enough? Journal of Leisure Research, 23(3): 272-277. doi:10.1080/00222216.1991.11969858.
17. Dresp-Langley, B., Hutt, A. (2022). Digital addiction and sleep. International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health, 19(11): 6910. doi:10.3390/ijerph19116910.
18. Eaton, W.W., Martins, S.S., Nestadt, G., Bienvenu, O.J., Clarke, D., Alexandre, P. (2008). The burden of mental disorders. Epidemiologic reviews, 30(1): 1-14.
19. Erten, P., Özdemir, O. (2020). The digital burnout scale. İnönü Üniversitesi Eğitim Fakültesi Dergisi, 21(2): 668-683. doi:10.17679/inuefd.597890.
20. Exelmans, L., Van den Bulck, J. (2016). Bedtime mobile phone use and sleep in adults. Social Science & Medicine, 148: 93-101.
21. Fan, S., Blanco-Davis, E., Yang, Z., Zhang, J., Yan, X. (2020). Incorporation of human factors into maritime accident analysis using a data-driven Bayesian network. Reliability Engineering & System Safety, 203: 107070. doi: 10.1016/j.ress.2020.107070. Febreza, F., Junaidi, J. (2022). Fenomena "digital fatigue" Pada Mahasiswa Jurusan Sosiologi Fakultas Ilmu Sosial Universitas Negeri Padang. Journal of Education and Pedagogy, 1(3): 315-326. doi:10.24036/nara. v1i3.73.
22. Fu, S., Li, H., Liu, Y., Pirkkalainen, H., Salo, M. (2020). Social media overload, exhaustion, and use discontinuance: Examining the effects of information overload, system feature overload, and social overload. Informaiton Processing and Management, 57(6): 1-15. doi: 10.1016/j.ipm.2020.102307.
23. Ghasemi, F., Zarei, M., Heidarimoghadam, R., Hosseini, S.M. (2021). Exploring unprecedented problems of academicians during the COVID 19 pandemic and their relationships with fatigue and mental health. Gene Reports, 23: 101098. doi: 10.1016/j.genrep.2021.101098.
24. Gregersen, E.M., Astrupgaard, S.L., Jespersen, M.H., Gårdhus, T.P., Albris, K. (2023). Digital dependence: Online fatigue and coping strategies during the COVID-19 lockdown. Media, Culture & Society, 45(5): 967-984. doi:10.1177/01634437231154781.
25. Hasson, F., Keeney, S., McKenna, H. (2000), Research Guidelines for the Delphi Survey Technique. Journal of Advanced Nursing, 32(4): 1008-1015. doi:10.1046/j.1365-2648. 2000.t01-1-01567.x.
26. Hilty DM, Armstrong CM, Smout SA, Crawford A, Maheu MM, Drude KP, Chan S, Yellowlees PM, Krupinski EA (2022). Findings and guidelines on provider technology, fatigue, and well-being: scoping review. Journal of Medical Internet Research, 24(5): e34451. doi:10.2196/34451.
27. Hirata, E., Watanabe, D., Lambrou, M., Banyai, T., Banyai, A., Kaczmar, I. (2022). Shipping digitalization and automation for the smart port. In: ‘‘Supply Chain-Recent Advances and New Perspectives in the Industry 4.0. Era’’. (Editor: Tamás Bányai), IntechOpen, pp:107-198, London.
28. Ichimura, Y., Dalaklis, D., Kitada, M., Christodoulou, A. (2022). Shipping in the era of digitalization: Mapping the future strategic plans of major maritime commercial actors. Digital Business, 2(1): 100022. doi: 10.1016/j.digbus.2022.100022.
29. Karabacak, A., Köseoğlu, B. (2021). Türk karasularında meydana gelen gemi kazalarının analizi: Bir Veri Madenciliği Uygulaması. Turkish Journal of Maritime and Marine Sciences, 7(1): 54-74. doi:10.52998/trjmms.789498.
30. Karabulut, R., Şeker, K. (2018). Belirlenmiş değişkenlerin vergi gelirleri üzerindeki etkisi: çoklu doğrusal regresyon analizi. Süleyman Demirel Üniversitesi İktisadi ve İdari Bilimler Fakültesi Dergisi, 23(3): 1049-1070.
31. Keeney, S., McKenna, H., Hasson, F. (2011). The Delphi technique in nursing and health research, p. 193, London, John Wiley & Sons.
32. Khodabakhsh, S., Ramasamy, S., Teng, T.Y., Leng, C.S. (2021). Impact of internet addiction on health anxiety in Malaysian youth during COVID-19 pandemic. Malaysian Journal of Medical Research (MJMR), 5(2): 12-18. doi:10.31674/mjmr. 2021.v05i02.003.
33. Kunasegaran, K., Ismail, A.M.H., Ramasamy, S., Gnanou, J.V., Caszo, B.A., Chen, P.L. (2023). Understanding mental fatigue and its detection: a comparative analysis of assessments and tools. PeerJ, 11: e15744. doi:10.7717/peerj.15744.
34. Linstone, H.A. (Ed.). (1979). The Delphi method: techniques and applications. Journal of Marketing Research, 18(3): 317-318. doi:10.2307/3150755.
35. Miseviciene, R., Rimavicius, V., Makackas, D. (2020). Impact of digital technologies on people health and means to avoid information fatigue, In Society, Integration. Education., Proceedings of the International Scientific Conference, vol 4, 550-560, Rezekne. doi:10.17770/sie2020vol4.4845.
36. Montgomery, D.C., Peck, E.A., Vining, G.G. (2021). Introduction to linear regression analysis, 6th Edition, p. 670, London, John Wiley & Sons.
37. Murtaza, S.A., Molnár, E. (2024). Navigating the digital divide: the impact of social media fatigue on work-life balance. GRADUS, 11(1): 1-6. doi: 10.47833/2024.1.ECO.012.
38. Mustafaoğlu, Ö.Ü.R., Yasacı, A.G.Z. (2018). Dijital Teknoloji Kullanımının Sağlık Üzerine Olumsuz Etkileri, p. 294, Ankara, Nobel Yayınevi.
39. Ndour, B., Force, J.E., McLaughlin, W.J. (1992). Using the Delphi method for determining criteria in agroforestry research planning in developing countries, Agroforestry Systems, 19: 119–129.
40. Pullen, D.L. (2009). Back to basics: Electronic collaboration in the education sector Handbook of research on electronic collaboration and organizational synergy, p. 205-222, New York, IGI Global.
41. Romero-Rodríguez, J.M., Hinojo-Lucena, F.J., Kopecký, K., García-González, A. (2023). Digital fatigue in university students as a consequence of online learning during the Covid-19 pandemic. Educación XX1, 26(2): 141-164. doi:10.5944/educxx1.34530.
42. Seber, G.A., Lee, A.J. (2012). Linear regression analysis, 2nd edition, p. 549, London, John Wiley & Sons.
43. Xu, Y. (2023). Research on Prevention and Management of Seafarer Fatigue (in English), Mater Thesis, World Maritime University, Malmö.
44. Sunil, S., Sharma, M.K., Amudhan, S., Anand, N., John, N. (2022). Social media fatigue: Causes and concerns. International Journal of Social Psychiatry, 68(3): 686-692. doi: 10.1177/00207640221074.
45. Tavşancıl, E., Keser, H. (2002). İnternet kullanımına yönelik likert tipi bir tutum ölçeğinin geliştirilmesi. Eğitim Bilimleri ve Uygulama, 1(1): 79-100.
46. Tuncer, R.Z., Levendeli, Ş.T. (2023). Bağımlı Bireyden Yorgun Bireye: Dijital İletişim Çağında Sosyal Ağ Yorgunluğu. Selçuk İletişim, 16(2): 479-507. doi: 10.18094/josc.1296833.
47. Tutar, H., Mutlu, H.T. (2024). Dijital Yorgunluk Ölçeği (DİYÖ): Geçerlilik ve Güvenirlik Çalışması. İletişim Kuram ve Araştırma Dergisi, 67(1): 56-74. doi: 10.47998/ikad.1426571.
48. Twenge, J.M., Joiner, T.E., Rogers, M.L., Martin, G.N. (2018). Increases in depressive symptoms, suicide-related outcomes, and suicide rates among U.S. adolescents after 2010 and links to increased new media screen time. Clinical Psychological Science, 6(1): 3-17.
49. Usluer, H.B. (2024). Understanding of the Maritime Future Mentality; Safe E-navigation and Safe Maritime Surface Communication. Turkish Journal of Maritime and Marine Sciences, 10(1): 1-18. doi: 10.52998/trjmms.1519901.
50. Wang, H., Liu, Z., Wang, X., Graham, T., Wang, J. (2021). An analysis of factors affecting the severity of marine accidents. Reliability Engineering & System Safety, 210: 107513. doi: 10.1016/j.ress.2021.107513.
51. Xue, J., Papadimitriou, E., Reniers, G., Wu, C., Jiang, D., van Gelder, P.H.A.J.M. (2021). A comprehensive statistical investigation framework for characteristics and causes analysis of ship accidents: A case study in the fluctuating backwater area of Three Gorges Reservoir region. Ocean Engineering, 229: 108981. doi: 10.1016/j.oceaneng.2021.108981.
52. Yasin, S., Altunisik, E., Tak, A.Z.A. (2023). Digital danger in our pockets: Effect of smartphone overuse on mental fatigue and cognitive flexibility. The Journal of Nervous and Mental Disease, 211(8): 621-626. doi: 10.1097/nmd.0000000000001675.