Internet use among Maltese adolescents

Abstract

The aims of this dissertation were to research the trends and patterns of Internet usage among Maltese adolescents and to establish their awareness of certain issues that are related to the use of the Internet. These were achieved by administering a questionnaire to a sample of 215 students in State Junior Lyceums, the results of which are presented in this dissertation. The first part of the study focuses on similar studies that have been carried out worldwide, and on the literature that describes the main issues that were investigated. The second part deals with an explanation of the research method that was employed and an analysis of the results that were obtained. This study has shown that while some of the tendencies of Maltese adolescents are similar to those of foreigners, other uses of the Internet have not been given importance yet. For example, this study has demonstrated the extensive use that is made of the Internet for communication purposes, and that males are more concerned with technical aspects than females are, who tend to be more concerned with social issues. However the development of Web pages is still unpopular with adolescents. The respondents have also shown that they are quite aware of the advantages and the disadvantages of using the Internet and of the risks that the Internet might pose to them. This dissertation also highlights the need for adults and educators to carefully monitor and guide children and adolescents in making fruitful use of the Internet.