High Speed Internet Use and Academic Gratifications in the College Residence

A multimethod exploration of undergraduates\u27 high-speed Internet use in residence halls took a uses-and-gratifications approach (U & G) and revealed Internet use as integral to students\u27 lives. Students\u27 negative comments about Internet distractions from academic work led to identification of an individual difference variable, internal locus of control of academic effort, as potentially predictive of student variations in use. A random survey (n=364) revealed positive perceptions of Internet use for academics was weakly but significantly associated with internal locus of control for academic effort. Time spent instant messaging (IM) was negatively correlated with the ability to avoid Internet distractions and concentration on academic work. Strategies are needed to help undergraduates gain control over high-speed Internet use to meet their academic goals