Pattern of internet usage among social science students of University of the Philippines in the Visayas, Miagao, Iloilo

Abstract

The study was undertaken to know the pattern of Internet usage among Social Science students of the University of the Philippines in the Visayas (UPV). It generally aims to identify (1) the socio-demographic profile of Internet Users among Social Science students of UPV; (2) determine the reasons why the students use the internet, (3) find out the pattern of internet usage of the social science students; (4) know if there is a relationship between patterns of internet use and socio-economic characteristics of students such as sex and social class. The researchers used simple random sampling without replacement and employed the fishbowl sampling technique in selecting the names of the respondents. The data was gathered using the interview schedule and analyzed using simple frequency counts and percentages. The researchers also employed the chi square test for independence as a statistical tool in testing the hypotheses. This study shows that the main reason for students in accessing the Internet is for research purposes with e-mail at a close second. The least used Internet service availed is for purchasing goods and services. On the relationship of sex and Internet use, frequency of Internet use is dependent on the sex of respondent. Male respondents tend to access the Internet more often than female respondents while there is no significant difference in the average number of hours spent by male and female respondents in accessing the internet. Also, there is no relationship between sex and amount spent in accessing the net. Male and female respondents’ expenses for weekly Internet use do not differ significantly. On the relationship of social class and Internet usage, there is no relationship in social class and in the number of times of accessing the net per week. Even though respondents belong to different social classes, their frequency of internet use do not differ significantly. On the other hand, average hours spent in accessing the net is dependent on social class. On the average, respondents from the lower and middle class access the internet for 2 hours or less only, while those who belong to the upper class tend to access the net for 3 hours or more. Weekly amount spent for accessing the internet is dependent on social class. Upper class respondents tend to spend more than Php 60 per week for Internet usage, while lower and middle class respondents spent Php60 and below weekly for Internet usage. Another study could be done on a different group (Young Professionals) with a larger sample size. Other factors affecting Internet Usage should also be considered in doing another study, such as a roommate having an Internet connection where the person does not necessarily pay for Internet usage.