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IMPACT OF INTERNET ON READING AND RESEARCH HABITS OF MASS COMMUNICATION STUDENTS

CHAPTER ONE

INTRODUCTION

BACKGROUND OF THE STUDY

In the relentless surge of technological advancements, the Internet has emerged as a transformative force, reshaping the very fabric of our daily lives. As we navigate the digital landscape, its impact extends far beyond the realms of convenience and connectivity, permeating into the academic sphere with profound consequences. This paper delves into the intricate interplay between the Internet and the reading and research habits of mass communication students. In an era where information flows ceaselessly through the virtual veins of cyberspace, understanding the dynamics of this relationship is imperative for educators, researchers, and students alike.

The advent of the Internet has ushered in an era of unprecedented access to information, redefining the traditional paradigms of learning. Mass communication students, entrusted with the responsibility of interpreting and disseminating information, find themselves at the epicenter of this digital revolution. The ease with which information can be accessed online has inevitably altered the landscape of academic exploration, creating both opportunities and challenges that warrant exploration.

As we embark on this journey of understanding, it is crucial to recognize that the impact of the Internet on reading and research habits is multifaceted. Beyond the veneer of convenience, the digital realm introduces complexities that extend to the very core of academic engagement. This exploration seeks to unravel these intricacies, examining how the Internet shapes the information-seeking behavior of mass communication students and the implications it carries for their academic pursuits.

The Internet's role in altering reading habits cannot be overstated. The transition from traditional print sources to digital platforms has redefined the very act of reading. The screen, whether on a laptop, tablet, or smartphone, has become the gateway to a vast repository of information. The implications of this shift extend beyond the mere medium; they encompass changes in reading comprehension, critical analysis, and the ability to synthesize information cohesively.

Moreover, the Internet's influence on research habits is equally profound. The accessibility of a myriad of online databases, journals, and repositories has democratized the research process, allowing students to explore a spectrum of perspectives with unparalleled ease. However, this democratization comes with its own set of challenges, including discerning the credibility of online sources, navigating the information overload, and maintaining academic rigor amidst the vast expanse of digital resources.

The convenience of the Internet has ushered in an era of instant gratification, but at what cost? The allure of quick information retrieval often overshadows the value of in-depth engagement with scholarly texts. Mass communication students, grappling with the demands of an ever-evolving field, may find themselves skimming the surface rather than delving into the depths of knowledge. This shift raises pertinent questions about the depth of understanding cultivated in an environment where breadth often takes precedence over depth.

As we navigate the digital landscape, the line between information consumption and creation blurs. The Internet empowers mass communication students to not only absorb knowledge but also to contribute to the ever-expanding pool of information. Social media platforms, blogs, and online forums serve as arenas for students to share their insights, engage in discourse, and contribute to the evolving narratives within their field. However, this democratization of knowledge creation also poses challenges in discerning the reliability and authenticity of user-generated content.

In conclusion, the impact of the Internet on the reading and research habits of mass communication students is a nuanced and evolving phenomenon. As we embrace the digital age, it is imperative to strike a balance between the benefits of accessibility and the pitfalls of information overload. This exploration seeks not only to understand the transformative nature of the Internet but also to provide insights that can inform pedagogical approaches, preparing mass communication students for the dynamic challenges that lie ahead.

STATEMENT OF THE PROBLEM

The dynamic integration of the Internet into the academic landscape has significantly transformed the reading and research habits of mass communication students, presenting a complex set of challenges that demand scrutiny. As the digital age continues to unfold, a pressing concern arises regarding the potential erosion of deep reading habits among students. The vast array of information available online, while promoting accessibility, may inadvertently foster a culture of superficial engagement, where skimming and scanning take precedence over the meticulous examination of scholarly texts. This shift raises questions about the depth of understanding cultivated in an environment dominated by the rapid consumption of information.

Additionally, the ubiquity of online resources introduces a conundrum in discerning the reliability and credibility of information. The democratization of information through the Internet provides students with unparalleled access to diverse perspectives, yet it simultaneously exposes them to the pitfalls of misinformation and biased sources. Navigating this digital landscape requires a heightened level of information literacy, posing a challenge for mass communication students as they strive to uphold academic rigor and integrity in their research endeavors.

Moreover, the Internet's influence extends beyond consumption to the production of knowledge. The rise of user-generated content on social media platforms and online forums introduces complexities in evaluating the authenticity and validity of information disseminated by peers. This blurred line between information consumption and creation presents a unique set of challenges that warrant investigation. In essence, the evolving impact of the Internet on the reading and research habits of mass communication students necessitates a comprehensive examination to better understand the multifaceted nature of these challenges and to formulate effective strategies for navigating the digital terrain of academia.

OBJECTIVE OF THE STUDY

Main Objective: To investigate and comprehend the overarching impact of the Internet on the reading and research habits of mass communication students.

Specific Objectives:

To assess the influence of the Internet on the reading habits of mass communication students by examining the depth of engagement with scholarly texts, comparing traditional print sources with digital platforms, and identifying trends in reading preferences.

To evaluate the impact of online resources on the research practices of mass communication students, focusing on the accessibility and utilization of diverse digital databases, journals, and repositories in academic research endeavors.

To analyze the challenges and opportunities posed by the Internet in shaping information literacy skills among mass communication students, with a particular emphasis on discerning the credibility of online sources, navigating information overload, and fostering a critical approach to digital information consumption.

RESEARCH QUESTION

How does the transition from traditional print sources to digital platforms influence the reading habits of mass communication students, particularly in terms of the depth of engagement with scholarly texts and the preference for online sources?

What are the patterns and trends in the utilization of online resources, including digital databases, journals, and repositories, among mass communication students in their academic research practices?

What challenges and opportunities does the Internet present for the information literacy skills of mass communication students, focusing on their ability to discern the credibility of online sources, navigate information overload, and cultivate a critical approach to digital information consumption?

RESEARCH HYPOTHESES

H1: The transition from traditional print sources to digital platforms positively influences the reading habits of mass communication students, leading to a greater depth of engagement with scholarly texts and a preference for online sources.

H0: There is no significant influence of the transition from traditional print sources to digital platforms on the reading habits of mass communication students, and there is no observable difference in the depth of engagement with scholarly texts compared to traditional sources.

H1: Mass communication students exhibit distinct patterns and trends in the utilization of online resources, with a notable preference for digital databases, journals, and repositories in their academic research practices.

H0: There is no significant difference in the patterns and trends of utilizing online resources among mass communication students, and the preference for digital sources is not distinct from the use of traditional research materials.

H1: The Internet poses both challenges and opportunities for the information literacy skills of mass communication students, with a positive correlation between effective digital information discernment, the ability to navigate information overload, and the cultivation of a critical approach to online information consumption.

H0: The Internet does not significantly impact the information literacy skills of mass communication students, and there is no correlation between effective digital information discernment, the ability to navigate information overload, and the cultivation of a critical approach to online information consumption.

SIGNIFICANCE OF THE STUDY

This study will be of immense benefit to other researchers who intend to know more on this study and can also be used by non-researchers to build more on their research work. This study contributes to knowledge and could serve as a guide for other study.

SCOPE OF THE STUDY

This study focuses on mass communication students, exploring the impact of the Internet on their reading and research habits. It encompasses an examination of reading preferences, utilization of online resources, and challenges in information literacy. The study aims to provide insights applicable to academic institutions aiming to adapt to the evolving digital landscape.

LIMITATION OF THE STUDY

The demanding schedule of respondents at work made it very difficult getting the respondents to participate in the survey. As a result, retrieving copies of questionnaire in timely fashion was very challenging. Also, the researcher is a student and therefore has limited time as well as resources in covering extensive literature available in conducting this research. Information provided by the researcher may not hold true for all businesses or organizations but is restricted to the selected organization used as a study in this research especially in the locality where this study is being conducted. Finally, the researcher is restricted only to the evidence provided by the participants in the research and therefore cannot determine the reliability and accuracy of the information provided.

Financial constraint: Insufficient fund tends to impede the efficiency of the researcher in sourcing for the relevant materials, literature or information and in the process of data collection (internet, questionnaire and interview).

Time constraint: The researcher will simultaneously engage in this study with other academic work. This consequently will cut down on the time devoted for the research work.

DEFINITION OF TERMS

Internet: The global network of interconnected computers, enabling the exchange of information through various digital platforms, including websites, social media, and online databases.

Reading Habits: The patterns and behaviors exhibited by individuals in their approach to consuming written content, encompassing preferences, frequency, and depth of engagement with various types of texts.

Research Habits: The systematic processes and methodologies employed by individuals, particularly students, in gathering, evaluating, and synthesizing information for academic or investigative purposes.

Mass Communication Students: Individuals enrolled in academic programs focused on the study of mass communication, which includes areas such as journalism, public relations, advertising, and media studies.

Digital Platforms: Online environments and technologies, including websites, social media, and digital databases, where users can access, create, and share information in digital formats.

Information Literacy: The ability to locate, evaluate, and effectively use information from various sources, emphasizing critical thinking and discernment in the context of an increasingly digital and information-rich society.

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