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Internet Use Behavior and Attitude of College Students: a Survey of Leadership Colleges' Network

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Muhammad Safdar at National University of Sciences and Technology
Muhammad Safdar
Khalid Mahmood at University of the Punjab
Khalid Mahmood
Saima Qutab at University of Auckland
Saima Qutab
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Abstract

This article reports on a survey on Internet use behavior and attitude of college students. Data were collected using a questionnaire developed after a related literature review. A total of 800 students from four campuses of Leadership College's network were chosen for the survey. Demographics (sex, age, educational level) and reasons for Internet use, availability of computer and Internet at home, training in Internet use, most-used search engines and email services, as well as attitudes of students were analyzed. Students acknowledge the worth of the Internet for learning and sharing.
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5-24-2010
Internet Use Behavior and Aitude of College
Students: a Survey of Leadership Colleges'
Network
Muhammad Safdar
Air University, safdargr8@yahoo.com
Khalid Mahmood
University of the Punjab, khalid@dlis.pu.edu.pk
Saima Qutab
Punjab Directorate of Mines and Minerals, saimaqutab83@gmail.com
is Article is brought to you for free and open access by the Libraries at University of Nebraska-Lincoln at DigitalCommons@University of Nebraska -
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Safdar, Muhammad; Mahmood, Khalid; and Qutab, Saima, "Internet Use Behavior and Aitude of College Students: a Survey of
Leadership Colleges' Network" (2010). Library Philosophy and Practice (e-journal). Paper 366.
hp://digitalcommons.unl.edu/libphilprac/366
“Internet Use Behavior and Attitude of College Students: a Survey of Leadership Colleges' Network,” Muhammad Safdar, Dr. Khalid
Mahmood, Saima Qutab. Library Philosophy and Practice 2010 (May)
1
Library Philosophy and Practice 2010
ISSN 1522-0222
Internet Use Behavior and Attitude of College Students: a Survey of
Leadership Colleges' Network
Muhammad Safdar
Librarian
Air University
Islamabad, Pakistan
Dr. Khaild Mahmood
Professor & Chairman
Department of Library & Information Science
University of the Punjab
Lahore, Pakistan
Saima Qutab
Research Librarian
Punjab Directorate of Mines & Minerals
Lahore, Pakistan
Introduction
The Internet is an inseparable part of today's educational system. The academic increasingly
depends on the Internet for educational purposes. A majority of academic and research institutions
provide Internet service to students, teachers, and researchers (Kaur, 2008). In recent years, use of the
Internet has also increased in Pakistan. Policymakers in Pakistan have given top priority to the
information and communication industry and have taken a number of favorable steps such as establishing
IT policy and investment in IT infrastructure, fiber optic access, software technology, human resource
development, and launching of e-government projects. Internet access is available in 1,700 cities and
towns in Pakistan (Bashir, 2006).
In developed countries, a lot has been written on information seeking behavior. Such research is
required for users in Pakistan. This study is an attempt to investigate the Internet use behavior and
attitude of intermediate and bachelor's level students of the Leadership Colleges network in Punjab.
Objectives of this study:
1. The frequency of Internet use by college students
2. Computer and Internet availability at home
3. Most-used Internet resources and services
4. Reasons for using the Internet
5. Availability of help in using the Internet
6. Attitude of students towards the Internet
“Internet Use Behavior and Attitude of College Students: a Survey of Leadership Colleges' Network,” Muhammad Safdar, Dr. Khalid
Mahmood, Saima Qutab. Library Philosophy and Practice 2010 (May)
2
Literature Review
Developed countries have made huge investments in this industry with a profit-earning motive
(Madan, 1987). Gulzar (2001) observes that the Internet is growing well in Pakistan but there is a need to
provide this important service to working people. He says that there are 300 million Internet subscribers in
Pakistan with 100 percent growth every year. Users with access to the Internet were linked with
universities, research institutes, or government bodies, as students, researchers, or officials. After a
revolutionary change in the world of telecommunication, the Government of Pakistan has defined the
following objectives for this sector:
1. The improvement in the infrastructure of the telecom for the betterment of economic, social, and
cultural development in Pakistan.
2. The encouragement of new private sector initiatives committed to improve the telecom sector
3. The protection of consumer interests
4. Facilitation of investment and competition
Sturges (2002) believes that it is impossible to count the networks which are linked to the
Internet. Internet tools for communication and the exchange of information include email, usenet, bulletin
boards, forums, and mobile technology (Branscomb, 1998). In a survey of the most popular search
engines among librarians, students, and consumers Brazin (2004) enlisted Achoo Healthcare Online,
Dogpile, Google, Health on the Net (HON) Foundation, etc.
College students are a unique population of Internet users. Students were the first group in USA
who used the Internet for communication, recreation, and file sharing. College students and their teachers
find the Internet convenient and useful for educational activities (Jones, 2002). Kubey, Lavin, and
Barrows (2001) found that 68 percent of parents and 69 percent of teachers said that they have seen
higher grades because of Internet use. Purposes for Internet use have appeared in many studies, and
include educational, business, browsing, appointments, and entertainment. Fallows (2004) and Kaur
(2006) found that the portion of Internet use for entertainment was 69 percent. Laurence and Miller (2000)
indicate that scholars use the Internet for quick communication. Winship and McNab (1999) found a
growing range of services offering to post, fax, or email full text journal articles, course outlines, and
sources by colleges and universities.
Behavioral studies of the Internet indicate that it makes life easy, creates links between different
communities and cultures, is a good way to connect people and find educational resources (Aydin, 2007;
D'Esposito & Gardner, 1999). Fallows (2004) observes that the Internet can be used for scholarly
purposes, map or contact information, purchase of tickets for travel, communication through emails or
chats, and entertainment such as games or audio and video files. Nachmias, Mioduser, and Shemla
(2000) found gender differences in the use of the Internet with a higher and more extensive usage for
longer hours by males.
Not all information on the Internet is reliable or safe. Horrigan (2000), Sturges (2002), and
Weitzner (2007) mention the unreliability of information on the Internet. There are not necessarily quality
or authenticity checks on information on the Internet. Misrepresented, fake, and pirated literature causes
problems for researchers and students. Users may have privacy concerns. There are sites that many
users may find offensive, as well as instructions for carrying out violent or illegal acts.
Method
The questionnaire survey method was used in this study. A total sample of 800 students (200
each) was selected from all four campuses of the Leadership Colleges network, i.e., Lahore, Multan,
Rawalpandi, and Sailkot. A convenience sampling method was applied. The useable number of
responses was 599 (75%).
“Internet Use Behavior and Attitude of College Students: a Survey of Leadership Colleges' Network,” Muhammad Safdar, Dr. Khalid
Mahmood, Saima Qutab. Library Philosophy and Practice 2010 (May)
3
Results
Table 1 shows respondents' gender and program of study. Most participants were female. They
belong to science, arts, and commerce programs at intermediate and bachelor levels. According to Table
2, 89 percent students had computer facility at home while 59 percent had Internet access as well. Only
20 percent had formal training in using the Internet. Most (53 percent) mentioned that their friends
provided assistance in using the Internet. The second largest group of helpers is relatives (23 percent).
Table 1. Profile of respondents
Frequency
Percent
Gender
Male
347
58
Female
252
42
Program of study
B.Sc.
112
19
B.A
48
8
B.Com
139
23
F.Sc
138
23
F.A
17
3
I.Com
92
15
I.C.S
53
9
Table 2. Availability of computer, Internet, training, and assistance
Frequency
Computer availability at home
532
Internet facility at home
356
Formal training in using Internet
120
Assistance in using Internet
Teachers
100
Friends
320
Relatives
138
Others
53
Internet use behavior of the students is shown in Table 3. The variables include frequency, place,
experience, reasons for use, and most-used search engines and e-mail services. Many respondents used
the Internet 2 or 3 days in a week (34 percent). The second largest group (29 percent) used the Internet
rarely. Most use the Internet at their homes. They use it to update their knowledge, communicate, and
make friends. They took help from their friends for solving problem in using the Internet. According to the
participants, the Internet has made their life easy with quick access to knowledge and information as well
as for communication. Nearly one-fifth of respondents had two years of Internet experience and an almost
equal number had one year. Only two percent had used the Internet more than seven or eight years.
“Internet Use Behavior and Attitude of College Students: a Survey of Leadership Colleges' Network,” Muhammad Safdar, Dr. Khalid
Mahmood, Saima Qutab. Library Philosophy and Practice 2010 (May)
4
Table 3. Internet use
Frequency
Percent
Frequency of Internet use
Once a day
96
16
2-3 days in a week
204
34
Fortnightly
41
7
Once a month
70
12
Rarely
175
29
Place of Internet use
Home
346
58
College
175
29
Net Café
101
17
Any other place
48
8
Experience of Internet use (years)
1
106
18
2
111
19
3
71
12
4
49
8
5
58
10
6
22
4
7
9
2
8
9
2
9
5
1
10
6
1
11
1
0
12
2
0
Reasons of Internet use
To communicate with others
231
39
To make class assignments
129
22
To prepare for examination
69
12
To update your knowledge
285
48
To read news
111
19
To download software
109
18
To purchase items
21
4
For entertainment
207
35
Any other reason
30
5
Search engines
Google
423
71
Yahoo
217
36
MSN
73
12
AltaVista
11
2
Any other
7
1
E-mail services
Hotmail
231
39
Yahoo
378
63
Gmail
39
7
Any other
26
4
“Internet Use Behavior and Attitude of College Students: a Survey of Leadership Colleges' Network,” Muhammad Safdar, Dr. Khalid
Mahmood, Saima Qutab. Library Philosophy and Practice 2010 (May)
5
Most participants (48 percent) stated that they used the Internet to update their knowledge.
Nearly two-fifths use the Internet for communicating with friends, relatives, and teachers or for making
online friends. A third major reason (35 percent) was entertainment, while more than one-fifth use the
Internet for preparing class presentations.
To measure the attitude of students towards the Internet, 16 statements were provided with a 5-
point Likert scale ( strongly agree=5, agree=4, undecided=3, disagree=2, strongly disagree=1 ). The data
were analyzed in two steps. First, the mean and standard deviation were calculated for each statement.
Then, a t-test was applied to see the mean difference on various independent variables, i.e., class level
(program of study), gender, computer facility at home, Internet access at home and formal Internet
training (Table 4).
Table 4. Independent samples t-test for various independent variables
t values
No.
Statement
Mean
SD
Class
level
Gender
Computer at
home
Internet at
home
Internet
training
a.
Internet provides easy life
4.06
.839
1.901
.170
.141
1.908
2.813**
b.
Internet is a fast way to reach
knowledge
4.54
.704
1.250
.619
1.910
3.560
.709
c.
Internet creates close
relationships among societies
3.96
.940
.216
1.205
.748
1.033
3.465**
d.
Internet provides freedom to
people
3.76
1.102
1.774
1.408
.456
1.922
1.898
e.
It is enjoyable to chat on the
Internet
3.96
1.061
.306
1.489
.744
1.134
2.144
f.
Internet is a good source to
make friends
3.76
1.130
1.602
3.885**
.815
.693
3.080**
g.
Internet can allow you to do
more imaginative work
3.83
.915
1.962
.731
.792
1.148
1.837
h.
Internet has a potential to be an
effective teaching/training tool
3.82
.952
3.325**
.259
.549
2.955**
1.658
i.
Use of Internet by students is
just a waste of time and money
2.91
1.347
1.607
2.000*
2.583*
1.589
.774
j.
Internet includes unnecessary,
non-useful knowledge
2.97
1.364
2.740**
.122
.582
.689
.060
k.
Internet causes destroyed
societies
3.14
1.235
3.990**
.866
.413
.211
1.720
l.
Internet creates addiction
3.46
1.122
4.417**
3.005**
.002
.843
.319
m.
Internet creates cultural
problems
3.22
1.219
2.771**
1.868
.187
.515
1.556
n.
Internet forces people to be
alone
3.01
1.276
.160
2.217*
1.038
.728
.128
o.
It is not safe to make shopping at
Internet
3.12
1.208
2.380*
1.833
.113
.703
1.401
p.
Use of foreign languages in
Internet is a problem
3.11
1.266
1.619
.191
2.554*
1.383
.872
“Internet Use Behavior and Attitude of College Students: a Survey of Leadership Colleges' Network,” Muhammad Safdar, Dr. Khalid
Mahmood, Saima Qutab. Library Philosophy and Practice 2010 (May)
6
* Significant at p <.05 ** Significant at p <.01
The participants strongly agreed to the statement “Internet is a strong way to reach knowledge.”
They agreed to the following statements (mean > 3.5):
Internet provides easy life.
Internet creates close relationships among societies.
Internet provides freedom to people.
It is enjoyable to chat on the Internet.
Internet is a good source to make friends.
Internet can allow you to do more imaginative work.
Internet has a potential to be an effective teaching/training tool.
The respondents remain "Undecided” about all other statements (mean between 2.5 and 3.5).
There is a difference of opinion between two groups of respondents based on their class levels,
i.e., intermediate (I.C.S., I.Com., F.A., and F.Sc.) and bachelor (B.A, B.Com., B.C.S., and B.Sc.) is shown
in Table 4. No significant difference was found in ten statements. The bachelor students showed stronger
attitudes towards the Internet's role as an effective training tool, unnecessary and non-useful knowledge,
damages society, unsafe for shopping, creates addiction, and cultural problems.
Men and women showed significant differences of opinion on only four statements. Male students
thought the Internet was a good way to make friends. Female students considered that use of the Internet
a waste of time and money, a way to create addiction, and a way to force people to be alone.
There was no major difference of opinion found among students with and without a computer at
home. Students without computers at home thought that foreign languages material on the Internet was a
problem.
Students with access to the Internet at home did not show any difference of opinion with the
students without Internet access. Students with Internet access had a stronger attitude towards the
Internet's potential to be an effective teaching/training tool.
Formal Internet training did not create a significant difference among students. Students who
received training had a stronger attitude toward three statements, i.e., the Internet makes life easy,
creates close relationships among societies, and is a good source of making friends.
Conclusion
Results of the study reveal that the students were new Internet users but used it regularly. Most
had access to the Internet at home. They used this technology mostly for communication and educational
purposes. A majority of users had no formal training. They preferred to contact their friends or relatives for
solving problems in Internet use. Their attitude towards the tools and services of the Internet was positive.
Users agreed that the Internet was very helpful in meeting their information and communication
requirements swiftly.
Keeping in view the positive attitude of students towards the Internet it is recommended that they
be provided with formal training. Assistance in solving problems in Internet use should also be provided
formally, i.e., by teachers or laboratory staff. College administration should take steps to encourage the
Internet use by providing Internet access on campus.
“Internet Use Behavior and Attitude of College Students: a Survey of Leadership Colleges' Network,” Muhammad Safdar, Dr. Khalid
Mahmood, Saima Qutab. Library Philosophy and Practice 2010 (May)
7
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Publishing.
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Full-text available
  • Jan 2014
The objectives of the study were to determine and describe the extent of internet use by the students of Sylhet Agricultural University (from herein SAU) regarding academic and entertainment and communication purposes. The study was carried out with four faculties (Veterinary and Animal Science, Agriculture, Fisheries and Agricultural Economics and Business Studies) at SAU. A sample of 240 students (20%), sixty from each faculty, was randomly selected from a total population of 1200 students. Data were collected from the sampled students throughout January to March 2013 using distributed questionnaire. Findings of the study showed that most of the students like to use laptop regardless to faculty and gender. Students of Agricultural Economics and Business Studies were the highest (100%) user of internet whether Veterinary and Animal Science faculty was the highest (25%) non-user of internet. Students from Fisheries faculty were the highest user of internet for academic purpose and higher user of internet for entertainment and communication purpose are from Agriculture and Agricultural Economics and Business Studies faculties’ students. Female students are more interested in academic use of internet than male. Regardless to faculty and gender; collecting contents from different websites for home assignment and examination and browsing different websites to develop detailed concept of any topics for home assignment are top ranked for academic purpose of internet use. In the case of entertainment and communication purposes, reading newspaper was ranked top position followed by use of Facebook and getting live score of different games for every faculties and each gender.
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... From this study, the data showed that 914 (44%) respondents used internet along the 30 days. In Pakistan, 34% college students used internet for 2 or 3 days in a week (Safdar et al., 2010). Based on the gender, female students were more often to every day use of internet for the last 30 days than male (48% to 40%), it was significantly difference (p value 0,001). ...
Internet use behavior among senior high schools' students: A 2017 survey study in Indonesia
Article
  • Mar 2019
Internet use behavior has related to youth health problems such as addiction, mental, sexual, and physical problems or any other problems related online material. In China, youth prevalence of internet addiction was 11% to 26.5%, while it was estimated 10.7% in South Korea. In European, adolescents' risk for internet addiction was about 10.7% to 13.9%, and 4% in USA high school students. Indonesia has mentioned as the 2 nd largest Facebook users. However, there was no research done to identify the internet use behavior among youth. This study aimed to identify the internet use behavior among adolescents and the comparison from gender, type of schools and provinces. Its design was cross-sectional with 2071 samples selected by multistage random sampling method. They were recruited from 40 high schools of 8 sub-districts in 3 provinces within June and December 2017. Thirteen questions were asked through self assessment questionnaire. Results indicated that 44% students used internet daily, with 56% of them used 1-6 hours a day. Accessed to internet mostly by handphone (85%) at home (74%). The most social media used were Facebook (52%), Instagram (25%) and Line (16%). About 40% students would feel anxious, discomfort, panic or upset when they can't access internet. Twelve percent of students watched online pornography for several hours per day. Gender, type of schools and provinces comparison showed significantly difference among most of the questions collected from the students. As a conclusion, internet use behavior is high among high schools' students in Indonesia. About 40% needs attention. Further research to identify the internet addiction is needed for management intervention.
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... From this study, the data showed that 914 (44%) respondents used internet along the 30 days. In Pakistan, 34% college students used internet for 2 or 3 days in a week (Safdar et al., 2010). Based on the gender, female students were more often to every day use of internet for the last 30 days than male (48% to 40%), it was significantly difference (p value 0,001). ...
Internet use behavior among senior high schools' students: A 2017 survey study in Indonesia
Article
  • Jan 2019
Internet use behavior has related to youth health problems such as addiction, mental, sexual, and physical problems or any other problems related with online material. In China, youth prevalence of internet addiction was 11% to 26.5%, while it was estimated 10.7% in South Korea. In European, adolescents' risk for internet addiction was about 10.7% to 13.9%, and 4% in USA high school students. Indonesia has mentioned as the 2 nd largest Facebook users. However, there was no research done to identify the internet use behavior among youth. This study aimed to identify the internet use behavior among adolescents and the comparison from gender, type of schools and provinces. Its design was cross-sectional with 2071 samples selected by multistage random sampling method. They were recruited from 40 high schools of 8 sub-districts in 3 provinces within June and December 2017. Thirteen questions were asked through self assessment questionnaire. Results indicated that 44% students used internet daily, with 56% of them used 1-6 hours a day. Accessed to internet mostly by handphone (85%) at home (74%). The most social media used were Facebook (52%), Instagram (25%) and Line (16%). About 40% students would feel anxious, discomfort, panic or upset when they can't access internet. Twelve percent of students watched online pornography for several hours per day. Gender, type of schools and provinces comparison showed significant difference among most of the questions collected from the students. As a conclusion, internet use behavior is high among high schools' students in Indonesia. About 40% needs attention. Further research to identify the internet addiction is needed for management intervention.
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... That is what Ukachi, Onuoha, and Nwachukwu (2014) pointed out in their study by concluding that students do not benefit from library EIR in an adequate way. Moreover, the results of the study revealed the students were using the Internet at the library to communicate with others, more than other e-sources and similar to what Safdar, Mahmood, and Qutab (2010) indicated, which was that most students have a positive attitude towards using the provided internet on campus to communicate. ...
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EXPERIENCE TOWARDS MAINSTREAM THEATRE BY PERSON WITH VISUAL IMPAIRMENT
Conference Paper
Full-text available
  • May 2023
The theatre is one of the most popular cultural arts in the world. Mainstream theatre is a theatre for everyone, and that means everybody. People with physical disabilities have not long been a part of it. As use on technology and different kind of thinking like special workshop for person with disabilities with normal actor continues to make possible new kinds of performances that are accessible to anyone regardless of ability. It is important that theatre companies consider the needs and opportunities for diversity in this space. The Mainstream Theatre programme has become a useful training tool for persons with disabilities. It is directly enhance the communication skills with public. This article presents the attitude towards mainstream theatre by the persons with and without visual disabilities. The theatre in Bengal had trained non visual disability person to act along with person with visual disabilities by blind folding. Their experience of mainstream theatre were assessed and analysed based on their responses. Thus the study showed remarkable success in mainstreaming the theatre and creating inclusive society for all.
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Contributions of Pakistani authors to Library Philosophy and Practice from 2008 to 2017
Article
Full-text available
  • Apr 2018
library philosophy and practice is a well-known online free access and peer reviewed journal in the field of library and information sciences. The online journal covers all aspect of librarianship and library and information sciences. The present study has carried out to analyze the contribution of Pakistani authors to library philosophy and practice from 2009 to 2017. The 86 total numbers of articles has been retrieved from LPP in chosen period of study. The recovered data has been categorized in number of bibliometric aspects like year wise publications, author"s collaboration, papers length, most prolific authors, most productive institutions and foreign contributions.
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Attitudes of EFL learners towards the Internet
Article
Full-text available
  • Jan 2007
Related literature indicates that the Internet has an important role and great potential in foreign language learning. It is also obvious that attitudes of learners affect learning process significantly. This study aimed to investigate the attitudes of foreign language learners and to find the relationship between attitudes and subject variables. A background questionnaire, a test on Internet information and a survey were administered to 115 foreign language learners. Data gathered were analyzed statistically. The results showed that EFL learners had positive attitudes towards the Internet except some items such as addiction, socialization and shopping. It was implicated that positive attitudes would contribute to foreign language learning via the Internet after overcoming some potential problems and disadvantages.
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Internet usage by students in an Israeli high school
Article
  • Jan 2000
This study examines the extent and characteristics of Internet usage among 384 junior-high and high school students in Israel. Its focus is on the purpose and patterns of Internet usage by twelve-to eighteen-year-old youngsters, and on the linkage between Internet usage and school activities. The findings show that the Internet is being used by about half of the research population, with the main use being for communication. Search for information comes only in the second place. Low degree of connection was found between Internet usage and school practice. The results show significant sex differences. In general, more boys are using the Internet, and more extensively than girls. Surprisingly, only some differences among age groups were found. The results of the study are discussed in terms of the range of Internet use among youngsters and its emerging role as an alternative knowledge resource outside school.
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New Internet Users: What They Do Online, What They Don't, and Implications for the 'Net's Future
Article
With Internet penetration now at about half of all Americans, new users will be coming online for some time into the future, while the Internet itself continues to evolve. Tomorrow's new user will not be like today's, just as today's new user differs from yesterday's. This paper compares new users surveyed in a March 2000 poll to those from a November 1998 poll, and it examines what types of activities people pursue online in the two time periods. In exploring the characteristics and usage habits of new Internet users, this paper finds that the most enthusiastic new Internet users are women, and that this group feels most comfortable engaging in fun activities online (e.g., playing games, listening to music). Relative to long-time users, this group is reluctant to conduct financial or commercial transactions over the Internet. Additionally, people's willingness to engage in transactions online is found to be a significant threshold point for online activities; once new users who have chosen to make an online transaction, their Internet usage patterns are similar to more experienced users. Finally, new users today are different from new users of two years ago; in 1998, new users quickly engaged in fun activities, but used the Internet as an information utility to a greater extent than their 2000 counterparts. A likely explanation for new users' reluctance to conduct transactions online is worry over the security and privacy of sending credit card information over the Internet. New users are almost twice as likely as veteran Internet users to report high levels of concern over online credit card theft, but they are only half as likely as Internet veterans to have purchased something online. New users' quick embrace of fun activities suggests that they value a choice of a wide variety of Internet content as they learn to use the Internet.
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Casting Your Net: A Student's Guide to Research on the Internet
Article
  • Jan 1998
From the Publisher: The first comprehensive guide to conducting academic research on the Internet. The book assumes a certain familiarity with standard research procedures (e.g. library and notetaking skills) and a general computer literacy, but assumes little experience with the Internet. All the major researchable modes of the Internet and their respective search engines are covered, from the early technologies FTP, WAIS, and gopher, which still have usefulness today, to the current favorites, Usenet and the World Wide Web. Also included are sections on the listservs and e-mail. All discussion of finding and evaluating Internet-based information occurs within the context of typical student research, showing how the Internet fits into finding a topic, shaping and narrowing the focus, drafting and revising the paper, and integrating and documenting the source material. Discussions are machine and interface independent, applying to Windows, Macintosh, and text-based computers. For anyone interested in increasing their internet research skills.
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Internet Use and Collegiate Academic Performance Decrements: Early Findings
Article
  • Jun 2001
  • J COMMUN
Recent research at colleges and universities has suggested that some college students’ academic performance might be impaired by heavier use of the Internet. This study reviews the relevant literature and presents data from a survey of 572 students at a large public university. Heavier recreational Internet use was shown to be correlated highly with impaired academic performance. Loneliness, staying up late, tiredness, and missing class were also intercorrelated with self-reports of Internet-caused impairment. Self-reported Internet dependency and impaired academic performance were both associated with greater use of all Internet applications, but particularly with much greater use of synchronous communication applications such as chat rooms and MUDs, as opposed to asynchronous applications such as email and Usenet newsgroups.
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University students' perceptions of the Internet: An exploratory study
Article
  • Nov 1999
  • J ACAD LIBR
Focus group participants are more sophisticated in their perceptions and appreciation of both Internet resources and traditional library resources than was hypothesized. They do not, however, associate the Internet with the library and do not think of asking a librarian for help when using the Internet for research.
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