The Internet has penetrated all spheres of humans’ lives, including business, educational, and personal ones. The article by Gordon, Juang, and Syed (2007) focuses on the role the Internet plays in college students’ well-being. Specifically, scholars investigate the connection between the use of the Internet and the psychological adjustment of those young people who are experiencing a transition from high school to college. The summary essay aims at singling out the main points of Gordon et al.’s (2007) study and analyzing their functions.
Scholars note that the transition from high school to college implies major changes in young people’s lives in academic, interpersonal, and intrapersonal dimensions. According to Gordon et al. (2007), college students require new ways of social support, the Internet being among the most effective ones. With the help of the Internet, learners can look for social support and cope with anxiety. At the same time, the authors acknowledge the potential negative implications of frequent Internet use.
Gordon et al. (2007) note that previous research endeavors have resulted in several typologies of Internet use by students. The following classifications have been found: (a) interpersonal communication, consumptive motives, entertainment, personally valued information, and self-expression; (b) interpersonal communication, information, and entertainment; (c) communication, information gathering, creation of own Internet site, downloading resources, distance learning, and school work. However, the authors note that these findings have a considerable limitation: there is no data on how these Internet use types have been determined.
Finally, Gordon et al. (2007) analyze the role of Internet use in students’ escapism and psychological adjustment. Scholars view this aspect by the gratification theory, which implies that Internet use can be connected with specific psychological outcomes. Gordon et al. (2007) have focused on the gratification of such needs as coping with stress and anxiety and communication with friends and family. Researchers have found complexity in the link between students’ well-being and Internet use. According to Gordon et al. (2007), it is not the amount of time spent on the Internet but the types of activities performed by students that matter most.
The article by Gordon et al. (2007) offers valuable insights into the relationship between students’ use of the Internet and their well-being. Scholars have singled out several typologies of Internet use by students. The authors have explained the positive and negative aspects of frequent Internet use in young people’s lives. Gordon et al. (2007) have concluded that students’ well-being and coping mechanisms depend not on the amount of time spent online but on the activities performed.
Reference
Gordon, C. F., Juang, L. P., & Syed, M. (2007). Internet use and well-being among college students: Beyond frequency of use. Journal of College Student Development, 48(6), 674-688.