Internet Usage Among Undergraduate Students in Ghana: An Exploratory Study

Samuel Danso, Bernice Awudi, Martin Thompson Kwadzo Ntem, Gyasi Appau Augustine and Emmanuel Larbi Ayete
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Samuel Danso: Department of Communication Studies, Pentecost University
Bernice Awudi: Department of Physics Education, University of Education, Winneba, Ghana
Martin Thompson Kwadzo Ntem: Department of Media Studies, Ghana Institute of Journalism, Ghana
Gyasi Appau Augustine: School of Nursing, Ghana Baptist University College, Ghana
Emmanuel Larbi Ayete: Department of Mathematics, Presbyterian College of Education, Kibi, Ghana

International Journal of Research and Innovation in Social Science, 2023, vol. 7, issue 1, 1057-1070

Abstract: The Internet has changed the face of technology, especially the way students interact with each other. This means that students have greater autonomy over time where communication is no longer limited to certain times. Widespread Internet availability can substantially benefit students by enhancing their access to a broader range of information, creating an avenue for social communication and conducting research. This study through a qualitative case study design critically examined Internet usage among undergraduate students of the University of Education, Winneba. The study also examined the consequences of students’ intensive use of the Internet. The study revealed that students use the Internet to satisfy certain gratifications. Themes such as academic research, entertainment, news sharing and socialisation were found as the motivation behind students’ use of the Internet. It was discovered that although the Internet help students positively in many ways, it also impacts on them negatively. Themes such as decline in academic performance, social isolation and financial constraints were identified as some of the consequences of students’ intensive use of the Internet. The study revealed that it is important to investigate the intensity of Internet addiction among university students. The study concluded that even though the Internet is important to students, they need to be cautious of its overuse in order not to be addicted.

Date: 2023
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