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.
