THE MULTIFACETED ROLE OF THE INTERNET IN CONTEMPORARY STUDENT LIFE: A COMPREHENSIVE ANALYSIS

Abstract

The pervasive integration of the internet into daily life has profoundly reshaped the educational landscape, particularly for students. This study addresses the evolving dynamics of internet usage among university students, focusing on its impact on academic performance, social interaction, and psychological well-being. The objective was to comprehensively analyze the various roles the internet plays in students' lives, identifying both its benefits and drawbacks. A mixed-methods approach was employed, combining a quantitative survey of 500 university students with qualitative semi-structured interviews with 30 participants. Main results indicate that while the internet is an indispensable tool for academic research and communication, excessive non-academic use correlates with decreased academic performance and increased digital addiction tendencies. Conversely, strategic internet use enhances learning outcomes and fosters global collaboration. The conclusion highlights the dual nature of internet influence, emphasizing the need for digital literacy education and balanced usage strategies to maximize its positive contributions and mitigate potential harms.