Overview

The goal of this study was to learn about the Internet’s impact on college students’ daily lives, and to determine the impact of that use on their academic and social routines. Surveys were randomly distributed to college students at a wide range of two-year and four-year public and private colleges and universities in the continental United States. The study focused on traditional college students, ones who are seeking a college degree and who devote much or all of their time to their studies. The students reported largely positive academic experiences with the Internet. Seventy-nine percent of college students reported that Internet use has had a positive impact on their college academic experience. Nearly half reported that email enables them to express ideas to a professor that they would not have expressed in class. Many college students also reported using the Internet primarily to communicate socially, with friends. The implications of their Internet use are discussed.