scholarly journals How Do Home Computer Users Browse the Web?

2022 ◽  
Vol 16 (1) ◽  
pp. 1-27
Author(s):  
Kyle Crichton ◽  
Nicolas Christin ◽  
Lorrie Faith Cranor
Keyword(s):  
Internet Use ◽  
Computer Users ◽  
Future Research ◽  
Small Scale ◽  
The Internet ◽  
Home Computer ◽  
Security Behavior ◽  
Browsing Behavior ◽  
The Web ◽  
Analyze Data

With the ubiquity of web tracking, information on how people navigate the internet is abundantly collected yet, due to its proprietary nature, rarely distributed. As a result, our understanding of user browsing primarily derives from small-scale studies conducted more than a decade ago. To provide an broader updated perspective, we analyze data from 257 participants who consented to have their home computer and browsing behavior monitored through the Security Behavior Observatory. Compared to previous work, we find a substantial increase in tabbed browsing and demonstrate the need to include tab information for accurate web measurements. Our results confirm that user browsing is highly centralized, with 50% of internet use spent on 1% of visited websites. However, we also find that users spend a disproportionate amount of time on low-visited websites, areas with a greater likelihood of containing risky content. We then identify the primary gateways to these sites and discuss implications for future research.

A cross-sectional survey among physicians on Internet use for epilepsy-related information (Preprint)

2019 ◽  
Author(s):  
Francesco Brigo ◽  
Simona Lattanzi ◽  
Giorgia Giussani ◽  
Laura Tassi ◽  
Nicola Pietrafusa ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Internet Use ◽  
The Internet ◽  
Online Information ◽  
Cross Sectional Survey ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Related Information ◽  
Internet Users ◽  
Therapeutic Decisions ◽  
The Individual ◽  
The Web

BACKGROUND The Internet has become one of the most important sources of health information, accessed daily by an ever-growing number of both patients and physicians, seeking medical advice and clinical guidance. A deeper insight into the current use of the Web as source of information on epilepsy would help in clarifying the individual attitude towards this medium by Internet users. OBJECTIVE We investigated views towards the Internet in a sample of Italian healthcare specialists involved in epilepsy field, to explore factors which explained the influence of information found on the internet. METHODS This study was a self-administered survey conducted in a group of members of the Italian Chapter of the International League Against Epilepsy (ILAE) in January 2018. RESULTS 184 questionnaires were analyzed. 97.8% of responders reported to seek online information on epilepsy. The Internet was most frequently searched to obtain new information (69.9%) or to confirm a diagnostic or therapeutic decision (37.3%). The influence of consulting the Internet on clinical practice was associated with registration to social network(s) (OR: 2.94; 95%CI: 1.28-6.76; p=0.011), higher frequency of Internet use (OR: 3.66; 95%CI: 1.56-9.21; p=0.006) and higher confidence in reliability of online information (OR: 2.61; 95%CI: 1.09-6.26; p=0.031). No association was found with age, sex, years in epilepsy practice or easiness to find online information. CONCLUSIONS Internet is frequently used among healthcare professionals involved in the epilepsy to obtain information about this disease. The attitude of being influenced by the Internet for diagnostic and/or therapeutic decisions in epilepsy is independent on age and years of experience in epilepsy, and probably reflects an individual approach towards the Web.

Old Age, the Internet, and Advancing Technology

2013 ◽  
pp. 17-33
Author(s):  
John S. Murnane
Keyword(s):  
Old Age ◽  
Internet Use ◽  
Computer Skills ◽  
The Internet ◽  
Tablet Computers ◽  
Very Old ◽  
Mental Stimulation ◽  
Areas Of Interest ◽  
The Web ◽  
General Computer

The benefits to the old and very old of mental stimulation and close connections with family are well documented. Access to email and the Web can make very large contributions to both. This chapter describes a small research project to place Internet-linked computers in a retirement complex in Melbourne, Australia. The aim was to research the existing computer skills of the residents, provide lessons in the use of email, general computer and Internet use, investigate the most appropriate type of lessons, and document problems and residents areas of interest. This chapter describes ways to minimise problems with applications and hardware, and potential advantages of up-to-date technology such as Tablet computers and ‘Smart’ Television are discussed.

scholarly journals DOES CHANGE IN INTERNET USE PREDICT PSYCHOLOGICAL WELL-BEING AMONG OLDER ADULTS?

2019 ◽  
Vol 3 (Supplement_1) ◽  
pp. S326-S326
Author(s):  
Ronald W Berkowsky
Keyword(s):  
Older Adults ◽  
Personal Growth ◽  
Internet Use ◽  
Well Being ◽  
Future Research ◽  
The Internet ◽  
Psychological Well Being ◽  
Internet Users ◽  
Additional Control ◽  
The Relationship

Abstract Previous work focusing on the relationship between Internet use and quality of life among older adults (aged 65+) has found evidence of various positive impacts. This project expands upon this work by examining the relationship between Internet use and measures of psychological well-being (PWB) including autonomy, environmental mastery, personal growth, positive relations with others, purpose in life, and self-acceptance. The analytic sample is derived from two waves of data (Time 1 = 2004, Time 2 = 2011) taken from the Wisconsin Longitudinal Study and includes a sample of older adults aged~65 at Time 1 (N = 4943). Participants were separated into four categories: those who did not use the Internet at Time 1 or 2, those who used the Internet at Time 1 only, those who used the Internet at Time 2 only, and those who used the Internet at both Time 1 and 2. Regression analyses were performed with the Time 2 PWB measures as the outcomes and the Internet use categories as the primary predictors. Results indicate that while continuous Internet users typically reported higher PWB scores compared to non-users, those who stopped use between Time 1 and 2 also reported higher scores and those who started use between Time 1 and 2 reported lower scores. These results generally held when introducing Time 1 PWB measures as controls, suggesting changes in Internet use may affect PWB but not necessarily in the predicted directions. Additional control variables, potential explanations, and implications for future research are discussed.

Suicide-related Internet use among university students

2017 ◽  
Vol 41 (S1) ◽  
pp. S404-S404
Author(s):  
V. Voros ◽  
P. Osvath ◽  
Z. Szabo ◽  
Z. Nagy ◽  
S. Fekete
Keyword(s):  
University Students ◽  
Help Seeking ◽  
Internet Use ◽  
Future Research ◽  
The Internet ◽  
Special Role ◽  
Suicidal Thoughts ◽  
Online Help ◽  
Online Activity ◽  
Competing Interest

IntroductionNowadays, mobile and Internet communication is widely used and has a special role in mental health prevention. Besides, websites targeting suicide prevention, pro-suicide contents (methods for suicide, suicide pacts) are also easily available, which may increase the risk for suicide in vulnerable people.AimsOur aim was to assess the relation between Internet use and suicidal behaviour among university students and also to assess online activity regarding suicidal contents and help-seeking behaviour.MethodsSelf-administered questionnaires were completed by university students.ResultsMost of the 101 students who completed the survey use the Internet 3 hours or more a day. They are facing suicidal contents numerous times. Professional websites providing information and the common popular sites were mainly visited, sites providing help were less screened (10%). More than quarter of the students felt discomfort when looking at sites dealing with suicide. Almost one-third of the subjects had suicidal thoughts during their lives and 15% already planned suicide. In case of suicidal thoughts, subjects would seek help mainly from friends and family, but online help-seeking was not preferred.ConclusionsDespite of the extensive Internet use, students rarely seek help for emotional problems on the Internet. Development of websites controlled by professionals is essential, especially for those who would not benefit from traditional psychological/psychiatric care. Future research is needed regarding the characteristics of Internet use and the potentials and limits of help-seeking via the Internet in order to prevent people from pro-suicide websites and to improve professional websites.Disclosure of interestThe authors have not supplied their declaration of competing interest.

scholarly journals Impact of Internet on Academic Performance of University Students in Pakistan

2021 ◽  
Vol 17 (38) ◽  
pp. 1
Author(s):  
Nimra Nawaz
Keyword(s):  
Academic Achievement ◽  
Academic Performance ◽  
University Students ◽  
Information And Communication Technologies ◽  
Internet Use ◽  
Alternative Hypothesis ◽  
Systematic Sampling ◽  
Future Research ◽  
The Internet ◽  
The Impact

It is impossible to ignore the fact that the internet is the basic need of today’s technological world. Different research shows that individuals across the globe are using information and communication technologies (ICTs) to get the most up-to-date information from the internet. Similarly, university students also spend a lot of time on the internet researching and collecting material relevant to their research topics. Although different research has been conducted on the usage of the internet in different countries, research about Pakistani students is still limited. The major goal of this research was to see how internet usage affects students' academic performance particularly when it comes to increasing their grades. The objective of this research was to determine the type of internet use and the impact of the internet on students' academic achievement. Arts faculty from the University of Punjab Pakistan was selected as the universe of the study and 5 departments of arts were selected by simple random sampling and a sample of 100 students was taken through systematic sampling. The study adopted a survey research design. A questionnaire was developed by the researchers as a tool for data collection. The data was analyzed statistically, which led to the acceptance of the alternative hypothesis. Statistical results are also presented and discussed, and implications for future research are also provided. According to the findings, internet use has a positive impact on student's academic achievement.

Impact of Internet use on cognitive decline in middle-aged and elderly people in China: a longitudinal observational study (Preprint)

2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
Xinyue Yu ◽  
Xiang Wu ◽  
Aruhan Mu ◽  
Liqin Zhou
Keyword(s):  
Cognitive Function ◽  
Cognitive Decline ◽  
Social Engagement ◽  
Fixed Effects ◽  
Internet Use ◽  
Healthy Aging ◽  
Cognitive Stimulation ◽  
Pharmacological Intervention ◽  
Future Research ◽  
The Internet

BACKGROUND Given that cognitive decline lacks effective treatment options and has severe implications for healthy aging, Internet use may achieve non-pharmacological relief of cognitive decline through cognitive stimulation and social engagement. OBJECTIVE This study aimed to investigate the relationship between the variety, frequency and type of Internet use and cognitive decline from two theoretical perspectives: the cognitive reserve theory and the stress hypothesis. METHODS Data were obtained from a total of 10,532 survey samples from the China Family Panel Studies (CFPS) databases wave 3 (2014) and wave 5 (2018). Cognitive function was measured using vocabulary tests, and Internet use was categorized into five aspects: study, work, social, entertainment, and business. Associations between diversity, frequency, and type of Internet use and cognitive decline were estimated by controlling for demographic variables and health status risk factors through fixed-effects models. RESULTS Using the Internet at least once a week for study, work, and entertainment purposes, and for social purposes less than once a week were all associated with better cognitive function. Using the Internet less than once a week for business activity was associated with poorer cognitive function. Using more than one type of Internet at least once a week was associated with better cognitive function. CONCLUSIONS This study shows that breadth and depth of Internet use is positively associated with cognitive function, and that different types of Internet use have different roles in cognitive decline. The importance of the Internet as a non-pharmacological intervention pathway for cognitive decline is emphasized. It is instructive for the development of relevant policies. Future research could explore specific mechanisms of influence.

Software Engineering Education

2011 ◽  
pp. 775-781
Author(s):  
Pankaj Kamthan
Keyword(s):  
Software Engineering ◽  
Engineering Education ◽  
Information Technologies ◽  
Future Research ◽  
The Internet ◽  
Software Engineering Education ◽  
The Web

In this article, we explore the prospects and concerns of integrating information technologies (IT) in software engineering education (SEE), both inside and outside the classroom. By IT we will mean the technologies for various activities related to information (such as acquisition, creation, communication, dissemination, processing, archival, retrieval, transformation, and so on), within the context of the Internet and the Web, unless specified otherwise. The rest of the article is organized as follows. We first provide the background necessary for later discussion. This is followed by the prospects and concerns of systematically integrating IT in SEE and examples of use of IT in SEE, both inside and outside the classroom. Next, challenges and directions for future research are outlined. Finally, concluding remarks are given.

Addressing the Credibility of Web Applications

2008 ◽  
pp. 23-28 ◽  
Author(s):  
Pankaj Kamthan
Keyword(s):  
Web Application ◽  
Web Applications ◽  
Consumer Confidence ◽  
Future Research ◽  
The Internet ◽  
Different Types ◽  
Set Up ◽  
The Web

The Internet, particularly the Web, has opened new vistas for businesses. The ability that anyone, using (virtually) any device could be reached anytime and anywhere presents a tremendous commercial prospective. In retrospect, the fact that almost anyone can set up a Web Application claiming to offer products and services raises the question of credibility from a consumers’ viewpoint. If not addressed, there is a potential for lost consumer confidence, thus significantly reducing the advantages and opportunities the Web as a medium offers. Establishing credibility is essential for an organization’s reputation (Gibson, 2002) and for building consumers’ trust (Kamthan, 1999). The rest of the article is organized as follows. We first provide the motivational background necessary for later discussion. This is followed by the introduction of a framework within which different types of credibility in the context of Web Applications can be systematically addressed and thereby improved. Next, challenges and directions for future research are outlined. Finally, concluding remarks are given.

Harmful or helpful? The role of the internet in self-harming and suicidal behaviour in young people

2014 ◽  
Vol 19 (1) ◽  
pp. 61-71 ◽  
Author(s):  
Jo Bell
Keyword(s):  
Young People ◽  
Support Groups ◽  
Suicidal Behaviour ◽  
Internet Use ◽  
Information Access ◽  
Evidence Base ◽  
Future Research ◽  
The Internet ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Self Harm

Purpose – The internet plays an important role in the lives of self-harming and suicidal young people yet little is known about how internet use influences this behaviour. The purpose of this paper is to examine the evidence base with a view to determining directions for future research and practice. Design/methodology/approach – Literature relating to self-harming and suicidal behaviour, young people, and the internet is reviewed with a focus on content and methodology. Findings – The internet provides access to: “how-to” descriptions of suicide; unregulated/illegal online pharmacies; forums to spread this information; access to others seeking to end their own lives. Such sites are believed to elevate risk amongst vulnerable individuals. Conversely, the internet provides access to intervention and prevention activity, online support groups, advice, and personal chat. These can be a key resource in helping young people. There is a lack of consensus on what constitutes harmful and helpful online exchange, often evidenced in disparity between the perceptions of professionals and users. Research limitations/implications – Research is needed to map out a more accurate picture of suicide and self-harm resources on the internet and to establish a consensus about what constitutes harmful and helpful exchange. This needs to be based on: a comprehensive and informed range of search terms; a clear distinction between types of resource; a clear and consistent rationale for distinguishing and categorizing sites; a systematic replicable methodology for plotting the scope, content, accessibility, and popularity of web resources at a given point in time; the views of young people who use these sites, as well as practitioners and professionals. Practical implications – Practitioners need to: regularly assess the quantity, quality, and nature of self-harm/suicide focused internet use amongst service users; be aware of which sites are most appropriate for particular individuals; promote sites directed at young people that enhance effective coping. Professional mental health organizations need to find ways of ensuring that: they are consistently well represented amongst search results online; sites are readily accessible; more practitioners are trained in text-based communications. Originality/value – This paper offers a framework and rationale for future research and for those involved in service provision, policy, and practice.

scholarly journals Awareness of eSafety and Potential Online Dangers among Children and Teenagers

10.28945/3864 ◽  
2017 ◽  
Vol 16 ◽  
pp. 319-338 ◽  
Author(s):  
Gila Cohen Zilka
Keyword(s):  
Internet Use ◽  
Leisure Activities ◽  
Individual Case ◽  
Future Research ◽  
The Internet ◽  
Future Studies ◽  
Use Of The Internet ◽  
High Level ◽  
And Behavior ◽  
The Impact

Aim/Purpose: Awareness of eSafety and potential online dangers for children and teenagers. Background The study examined eSafety among children and teenagers from their own perspectives, through evaluations of their awareness level of eSafety and of potential online dangers. Methodology: This is a mixed-method study with both quantitative and qualitative elements. The study includes questionnaires and interviews. A total of 345 participants from Israel completed questionnaires; 90 children and teenagers were interviewed from among the participants. Contribution: The study examined the awareness of children and youths of safe online surfing. It also examined the degree of exposure of children and youths to positive and negative aspects of the Internet. This study illustrates the dual potential of Internet use within the context of eSafety, as seen through the eyes of children and teenagers. Characteristics of use of the Internet are liable to increase the danger to and the bullying of youths and by youths in the digital domain. It also demonstrates the promises of using the Internet for productive learning and leisure activities. Findings: Findings show that the children and teenagers who participated in the study reported a medium-high level of awareness. Issues that participants were concerned about included avoiding contact with strangers and cyberbullying, not necessarily by strangers, but also by friends. Recommendations for Practitioners : It is important to examine how children perceive online events for the purpose of examining their statements regarding eSafety and the way they view problematic or dangerous online events, as well as how they believe they can cope with them. Recommendation for Researchers: The study recommends incorporating in future studies individual case studies and allowing participants to express how they perceive complex online situations. Impact on Society: This study illustrates the dual potential, positive and negative aspects, of Internet use within the context of eSafety, as seen through the eyes of children and teenagers. Future Research: Future studies should track changing eSafety awareness and behavior longitudinally to identify the impact of maturation and experience on their behavior and attitudes.

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