ABSTRACT
The study examined the assessment of internet usage and its effects on the reading culture of students in university of Benin. However, five research questions were raised to guide the study. The descriptive survey research design was adopted for the study. A sample size of 100 respondents drawn through a simple random sampling technique was used in the study. A self-structured questionnaire designed with a modified Likert Scale method made up of a-four-point rating scale of SA strongly Agree, A, agree, SD, strongly disagree and D disagree was however adopted for the study. After the validation of the instrument, it was pilot-tested on a sample of 20 respondents for reliability and the data collected were analyzed using descriptive which involved frequency count and simple percentages. The findings revealed that the extent of internet usage among students of university of Benin is relatively high and encouraging as 3 out of the 4 items raised in question one strongly agreed to have use the internet always. Secondly, the finding also revealed that the pattern of internet usage among students of university of Benin, such as the frequency, duration and primary activities varies as most of the respondents frequently use the internet for social media during their study time. While other’s internet usage is dedicated to their academic research and study. The study reveals the various factors that influence student’s reading habits which are access to high-speed internet, digital literacy skills, and technical issues such as (poor connectivity) and academic workload as majority of the respondents strongly agreed to this assertion. However, the finding further revealed that the impact of internet usage on student’s attitudes towards traditional reading materials such as printed books and academic journal is relatively low and discouraging as majority of the respondents now finds digital books more engaging than printed materials which has resulted to decreased interest in printed academic journals. Lastly, the finding revealed the various strategies that would help improve the reading habit of respondents include providing workshop on effective internet usage as well as participation in reading clubs or groups could also encourage respondents to read more printed books as well as providing more printed materials to support traditional reading habits. Lastly, limiting non-academic internet usage would help respondents focus more on my studies. Based on the study’s findings, the following recommendation were made. Firstly, the school management should enhance the availability of printed books and academic journals in the university library and other accessible locations to support traditional reading habits. Secondly, the school management should invest in improving internet connectivity and infrastructure on campus to ensure that students can access digital resources without technical difficulties that may hinder their academic work. Thirdly, the school management should conduct regular workshops and training sessions to educate students on how to use the internet efficiently for academic purposes, minimizing distractions from non-academic activities. However, the school authorities should establish and encourage participation in reading clubs and study groups that focus on traditional reading materials. This can foster a community of readers and make reading a more social and enjoyable activity. Lastly, the school management should implement policies or provide guidance on limiting non-academic internet use during study times. This can help students focus more on their academic work and reduce distractions.
