Do Cybernet Cafes Have Detrimental Effects on the Study Habits and School-Based Performance of Students?

Abstract

This study attempted to determine whether the use of internet in cyber cafes has detrimental effects on the study habits and school-based performance of the students Participants were 122 third and fourth year high school students from various schools in Metro Manila. A survey questionnaire with close — ended questions and a Likert scale was utilized for data gathering. An interview guide probed on the responses of the students in the survey. Chi-square test determined whether there were significant differences on the type of the internet activity the respondents primarily engaged in and the extent of internet usage. The results of the study revealed that the respondents used the internet for academic, communication and recreation purposes. Moreover, the school-based performance of the students was affected by their use of the internet. However, it depended on which internet activity they usually engaged themselves in and the extent of internet usage. Frequent users of internet had lower school-based performance than those who were only minimal internet’ users. Likewise, students who utilized the internet for communication and recreational purposes had lower school-based performance than those students who used the internet primarily for academic purposes only. Recommendations were made to formulate new policies or amend existing policies related to the establishment of computer shops near school premises, as well as to regulate the use of internet in cyber cafes by young students that will promote the welfare of the student community.