Intensity and effects of Internet use on the user’s daily life

Authors

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.34629/cpublica813

Keywords:

Internet usev, permanently online and permanently connected, sense of belonging, problematic Internet use

Abstract

Problematic internet use, while less severe than internet addiction, is more prevalent among users. Regardless of the activity they engage in, individuals feel compelled to remain constantly connected online. Even when attempting to break from this routine, they often find themselves reverting to old habits. A survey was conducted to gauge the intensity and impact of internet usage, sampling 433 individuals aged between 17 and 33, predominantly female. The findings indicate a moderate level of internet usage, consistent with existing references outlined in the analysis and discussion. Interestingly, despite spending several hours daily on smartphones, participants do not exhibit signs of excessive internet use. Instead, they prioritize in-person interactions with friends and family.

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Author Biographies

  • Francisca Garcias, School of Communication and Media Studies, Polytechnic Institute of Lisbon (ESCS - IPL)

    She holds a master’s degree in Audiovisual and Multimedia, from the School of Communication and Media Studies (ESCS - IPL), and a degree in Sociocultural Animation, from the School of Education (ESELX – IPL). Her main research interest focuses on the effects of Internet use. She is currently working at Multipublicações Media Group, in the Communication and Marketing area.

  • Filipe Montargil, School of Communication and Media Studies, Polytechnic Institute of Lisbon (ESCS - IPL)

    Professor at the School of Communication and Media Studies (ESCS - IPL). Currently also Invited Professor at NOVA IMS – Information Management School, NOVA University of Lisbon. His main area of expertise is Sociology, mostly focusing on the relationships and the interfaces between society, technology, communication, participation, and innovation.

  • Susana Araújo, School of Communication and Media Studies, Polytechnic Institute of Lisbon (ESCS - IPL)

    Susana Araújo teaches Design and Graphic Production. Currently, she holds the position of coordinator of the degree in Audiovisual and Multimedia at ESCS - IPL. She has a PhD in Social Communication, with an emphasis on graphic design and communication in educational materials. Her research focuses on the intersection between graphic design and learning, contributing to the research and development of projects related to graphic design and its application to the educational field. She collaborates on projects that seek to promote education and awareness through graphic design.

  • Cláudia Silvestre, School of Communication and Media Studies, Polytechnic Institute of Lisbon (ESCS - IPL)

    Professor at the School of Communication and Media Studies (ESCS - IPL). She holds a degree and a master in Probabilities and Statistics from the Faculty of Science (University of Lisbon), and a PhD in Quantitative Methods from the University Institute of Lisbon (ISCTE). She teaches Statistics applied to communications and develops research in the area. Her research interests include statistical literacy, data analysis, clustering, mixture models, and big data.

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Published

2024-06-28

Issue

Vol. 19 No. 36 (2024): Number with Special Issue

Section

SPECIAL ISSUE: Techvolution: Exploring the nexus of new technologies, consumers and marketing

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How to Cite

Intensity and effects of Internet use on the user’s daily life. (2024). Comunicação Pública, 19(36). https://doi.org/10.34629/cpublica813