Because of expanded distribution of super-speed internet networks, the Internet networks become part of our necessary living appliances. The Internet networks have important weight with youth culture and important influences on growth and development ...
Because of expanded distribution of super-speed internet networks, the Internet networks become part of our necessary living appliances. The Internet networks have important weight with youth culture and important influences on growth and development of young people. The Internet network have positive influences such as satisfying various needs of young people and at the same time causes serious social problems due to addictive use of the Internet networks.
This study analyses the current status of Internet use by students in cities and rural areas in Jeonnam province and what influences it has on young people have, and prepares proper methods to use Internet networks. It is believed that the results of the study will contribute to healthy and proper growth of young people.
The following questions are presented for this study:
First, what difference exists in Internet network use between young people in cities and rural areas?
Second, what difference exists in addiction to internet between young people in cities and rural areas?
This study targets 338 students from five middle schools located in Mokpo city, Hampyeong county and Jangsung county in consideration of sex and areas. For the analysis of the results, this study uses the SPSS program.
The results of the study is summarized as follows:
First, when the current status of internet network use between cities and rural areas are compared, students in rural areas use Internet networks daily and weekly more. It is because young people in rural areas use longer hours who do not fewer opportunities to use cultural space than ones in cities though there is any other reason.
As computers are installed in open areas and parents' educational background is higher, Internet network use hours are shorter. In respect to Internet network use styles, students are using less e-mail service while they are using more music, moving images. bulletin boards and home-pages services. It indicates that use style of the Internet networks is changing.
Second, in respect to addiction to the Internet network of young people, there is little difference between ones in cities and rural areas. In general, the Internet addiction rate of the subjects is low, but 60.7 % of the subjects have high risk of addiction. It indicates that education to prevent addiction to internet service should be given as soon as possible can be.
Third, the influence of Internet network use on young people is examined and the results are presented as follows: Positive effects include acquisition of information, promotion of personal relations, relief from stress and conflicts, and acquisition of confidence. Negative effects include family, physical and friendship problems in good order. It is found that the groups who have addiction risk and are addicted have more family, health and friendship problems than normal users.
Based on the results of the study, the following suggestions are presented :
First, it is very important to grow ability of students who can use useful media and harmful media optionally on Internet and to control time.
Second, to solve problems on Internet addiction, education programs on children upbringing for parents should be provided.
Third, school welfare services should be reinforced.
Fourth, education on information should be reinforced at schools. We have to prepare continuous and organized education so that elementary education focusing on proper recognition of information society and morality and manners in respect to Internet network use can be properly provided.
Fifth, we have to prepare various welfare programs that reflect needs of young people.
Finally, cultural facilities for young people in rural areas should be desperately expanded.