INFLUENCE OF INTERNET USE ON UNIVERSITY STUDENTS` MORAL DEVELOPMENT IN IRINGA REGION - TANZANIA

Abstract

The purpose of the study was to investigate the influence of the internet on university students` moral development in three universities in Iringa region-Tanzania. The study was guided by five research questions, How does use of internet influence interpersonal behaviour among university students in Iringa Region? To what extent does the use of internet influence social contact among university students in Iringa Region? How does use of internet influence universal ethical standards among university students in Iringa Region? How does use of internet influence intrapersonal behaviour among university students in Iringa Region? The researcher used convergent parallel mixed method design which is both qualitative and quantitative. The researcher applied Moral development Theory by Lawrence Kohlberg in 1958. The sample size was three universities from which total of 150 participants was selected, (120 students, 15 lecturers and 15 librarians staff). Instruments were questionnaire guides, interview and observation guide were used in data collection, questionnaire guides was administered to students while the interview was applied to lecturers and librarian staff. The instruments validated regarding validity and reliability by using pilot testing. Quantitative data analysed and coded by descriptive statistics and interpreted by using Statistical Packages for Social Sciences (SPSS) version 21. In reporting and analysing the results, percentages and frequency distributions were used. A qualitative design was organized into themes using narratives and direct quotations of the respondents‟ views to answer the questions of the study. The findings revealed that students have been using internet positively for 52.5%, it has raised up interpersonal behaviour and in social contact by searching educational materials, entertainments, research information and games. However, the behaviour against universal ethical were encountered among university. The findings shows that,38% respondents strongly agreed, and 33% agreed to have been engaging in privacy disclosing other`s privacy on internet without permission, 37% of dealing with cyber bullying, 43% plagiarism, 38% watching pornographies, 38% cheating behaviour, 38% illegal downloading and 40% selling faked products using internet. Hence, education concerning the positive use of the internet is needed for students to rescue their moral development. The researcher recommended that; Guidance and counselling services are needed urgently to help students.