W8. Abstract: Internet and School Satisfaction

Liu, X. and Robert, L. (2008) “Does using the internet make people more satisfied with their lives? The Effects of the Internet on College Students’ School Life Satisfaction” CyberPsychology & Behaviour, Vol. 11 (Issue 3), p310-320

This research investigates the relationship between Internet use and college students’ level of satisfaction with their school lives. 195 college students took part in the study which accessed their use of the Internet and their resulting school life satisfaction. It was found that Internet use had a direct relationship with levels of self efficacy- your perceived ability to achieve what you want- your level of extroversion and how satisfied the individuals claimed they were with their school lives. This is in line with social cognitive theory, that is, your perceived ability to engage in social interactions will directly affect your ability to maintain social relationships and therefore an implication of this study is that Internet use dictates satisfaction in school. However, we are not able to say they same of general life satisfaction levels.