Investigating the 5T Model of Internet Use Among U.S College Students

• In Event: Instructional Technology SIG Paper Session: Students’ Technology Experiences

Abstract

Although the use of the Internet is prevalent among college students, empirical research examining their Internet attitudes is still developing. This research examined how college students perceived the Internet in their everyday lives across five dimensions suggested by the 5T model of Internet use: a tool, toy, treasure, territory and a telephone. The participants were 561 undergraduate students in a large Southern university. The research employed confirmatory factor analysis and qualitative content analysis to test the 5T model. Findings indicated that the students perceived the Internet more as an entertainment medium and as a tool for instrumental purposes. Interesting findings on gender differences and a comparison with earlier research with Asian students will also be presented.

Authors

• Sita Periathiruvadi, The University of Texas - Dallas

• Tandra Lea Tyler-Wood, University of North Texas

• Paeng Angnakoon, University of North Texas