The Impact of the Internet on the Learning, Entertainment and Family Life of Teenagers Today

Abstract

This study examines the influence that the internet has on the daily learning life of adolescent high school students living in non-urban environments. Through a quantitative questionnaire survey of a sample of 30 students, the habits, frequency of use and the reasons that push adolescents to use the internet, as well as the effects that this relationship has on their school performance and family life, are investigated. They are familiar with technology, mainly for entertainment purposes, but also recognizing its potential in learning. At the same time, differences between the sexes are found, while tensions arise in the family environment due to excessive use. It is concluded that the effective use of the internet as an educational tool requires a joint intervention of school and family, in order to cultivate cognitive and social skills without reinforcing phenomena of isolation or dependency.