The Effect of the Internet on Students' Social Relationships from the Perspective of Teachers in Salfit Governorate Schools

Abstract

This study sought to identify how the internet affects students' social relationships from the perspective of teachers in Salfit Governorate schools in the scholastic year 2015/2016. Also it aimed to determine what kind of effect the following variables (sex, place of living, academic qualification and teaching experience) have on this. The researcher employed a forty- one item – questionnaire, segmented into three spheres: social, educational and behavioral-ethical. Each meant to measure one type of the internet uses and how it affects students' social relationships. Validity and reliability tests were performed. The sample of the study comprised two hundred and fifty five male and female teachers, representing the population which is one thousand two hundred and fifty three male and female teachers. The findings of this study showed that sex, place of living, academic qualification and teaching experience resulted in no significant differences in the way using the internet affects students' social relationships. The researcher proposed the following recommendation: school and teachers play a significant role in guiding the youth, specially males, as they are most affected by the internet, not to depend entirely on the internet and to spend their free time doing purposeful activities.