Internet Use among University Students in South West Bank: Prevalence, Advantages and Disadvantages, and Association with Psychological Health

Abstract

University students are frequently using the Internet for educational purposes and for other purposes. Recently, there is a debate on advantages and disadvantages of Internet use and its effects on the students’ psychological health. This study examines the prevalence of Internet use, its advantages and disadvantages, and its relationship with the psychological health of university students in the southern part of the West Bank. Mixed methods employing sequential exploratory design were used. Three focused groups were included to inform the development of the cross-sectional survey. Then, a convenience sample of 144 students from three universities in the south West Bank completed the survey. The results revealed that 96 % of university students reported using the Internet. Different advantages and disadvantages of using the Internet among students were emphasized. A high rate of Internet use was associated with students’ poor psychological health. Internet use has negative and positive educational, social and psychological consequences for students. However, advantages of Internet use were shown to be more than its disadvantages.