Internet Usage among College Students of Hoshiarpur in Relation to Gender

Abstract

The study examined internet usage among college students of Hoshiarpur in relation to gender. Descriptive method of research was followed. Total sample consisted of 200 students (100 male and 100 female), selected from three faculties i.e. professional, science and social science from Hoshiarpur district of Punjab state. Self designed internet usage scale with 15 items was used to gauge the purpose of internet usage, its effect on well-being of college students and self-regulation in internet usage. Collected data was analyzed in terms of percentage. The results revealed that almost all college students use internet for different purposes such as educational purpose, career planning and global affairs. Further, one third college students reported ill effects on their well being. They forget day specific assignments and household chores due to internet use. There were only one tenth male and female college students who attributed insomnia due to internet usage. It was also found that majority of college students use internet for purposeful activities and a few reporting need to regulate internet usage for better well-being.