Investigating Internet Usage And Dependency Amongst The Youth And Adult Population Living In Micronesia

Non-probability Sampling and Judgemental Sampling Technique

Question:

Discuss about the Information and Strategic Internet Skills.

In order to conduct a survey on the usage of internet and advanced technologies in Micronesia the target population chosen is between 18-30 years of age. This age group however caters the one-third population of Micronesia. The total population of the Federated States of Micronesia has almost 120,000 people according to the World Bank until last decade(Mori & Governors, 2013). Non-Probability Sampling technique can be implemented in order to provide a detailed explanation of representativeness of the chosen sample population. It must be taken into account, that Non Probability sampling derives its control from the decisions of the investigator. However, in non-probability sampling technique, the cases are chosen on based on the accessibility and decisive aspects of the researcher. This type of sampling method has its beneficial factors in the area of convenience and is frequently used for social as well as psychological investigations in order to achieve a wide range of idea about the major population. One form of sampling known as the judgemental or purposive sampling is the technique that is based on the notions of the target population, their characteristics and other qualities, which are already known by the investigator. This type sampling techniques can be comprehended in an improved and effortless manner in comparison to other sampling techniques (Etikan, Musa & Alkassim, 2016). The process of judgemental sampling can be regarded as an improved and enhanced explanation for the research in internet consumption among the adults living in Micronesia. This sampling technique can prove to play a beneficial role, as there is no existence of statistical expertise and knowledge. The most appropriate technique of sampling design for this research subject is judgement sampling as it can be implemented when there is a limited target population that caters a shared interest and inclination (Baker et al., 2013). The target age group selected for this study primarily dominates the young adult age group along with the adult age group thus; it is referred as the only viable sample technique in order to gather detailed knowledge and information from this particular age group. However, this type of sampling method can also be used for this investigation, as the interview is predetermined and conscious of the reliable professional or influence that he or she considers is proficient for the assemblage of a representative sampling size.

1) What is the level of internet dependency and addiction among the youth population living in Micronesia?

Exploring the Impact of Demographic Variables on Internet Usage

2) Is there any differentiation between sex, gender and internet addiction among the young adults and adult population of Micronesia?

3) Is there is any association of internet usage with the education or occupational level among the Micronesian adults?

4) Does immense use of internet causes behavioural, physical and psychological issues among the target population.

5) Is there any positive influence of internet usage on the adult population?

In the process of conducting survey research, it has been identified that the purpose of internet usage among both young adults and adults is a dependent variable, whereas the other demographic variables are considered as independent variables. Gender aspects are considered as a dominant factor that influences the reasons and objective of the use of internet who utilizes the internet accessibility for less than an hour every day. Young adults belonging to the young adult group category primarily uses internet for doing college assignments. More than 70 percent of female students and more than 50 percent of male students implement internet usage for completing their assignments (Choi & DiNitto, 2013). However, among the older adults who belong to the occupational category 60 percent of females use internet technologies for office use, shopping sites and other social networking sites whereas, more than 75 percent of working men indulges into using internet usage for both work purposes and other sites (Duggan & Brenner, 2013). Thus, when comparing these two genders, it can be argued that the use of internet among women is relatively lower than compared to men.

Grade variable is regarded as another dominant aspect that influences the internet usage of male correspondents for less than an hour in comparison to the women adults (Duggan & Brenner, 2013). The target belonging to the young adult population, which is the young male students, utilizes the internet for assignment purposes.

Another variable based on monthly wage is another dominant variable that has affected the purposes of using internet amongst male and female adults. Among the young adults whose families have lower monthly income have an internet usage for 1-2 hours to work on their assignments (Todd, 2014). Whereas, targets with families of high income access to the internet for more than educational purposes such as social-networking and other networking sites. Thus, it can be concluded that monthly income directly influences the purposes of internet usage Young adults who have lower monthly income have lower rate of internet usage in comparison to the adult category that belongs to families with higher monthly earnings.

Gender Disparities in Internet Usage

The aspect of internet experience is considered as another significant demographic variable related to the internet usage. Factors related to internet efficacy are regarded as an individual’s beliefs and notions about their ability to competently access the internet. However, lack of expertise in internet usage can result in developing anxiety about the usage of technical system (Van Deursen & Van Dijk, 2014). The impact of internet experience base on several internet behaviours and attitudes suggests that the result may be similar to the ones that have its origination from the attitudes related to computer technologies and internet (van Deursen & Van Diepen, 2013). According to several investigations, experience with advanced technologies play a vital role in the rate of internet usage among both the young and adult population of Micronesia. Prior experience and knowledge reflect the influence of navigational behaviours whereby, the novice or inexperienced internet searchers have more tendencies to get perplexed and lost.

Computer training programmes can be considered as another useful variable related to the rate of internet usage amongst the Micronesian adults. Sufficient rate of training and induction for internet usage improves the knowledge and expertise of an individual in areas related to internet or computer technology (Stalker, 2015). This can however be noted as advantageous in reducing the possible obstacles and further increase the comfort level of an individual. It further facilitates the adult target population to use a wider range of navigation equipments for a smooth accessibility of internet usage. 

One third of the population of 18-30 years of Micronesia engage in using internet for their day-to-day activities (Mori & Governors, 2013). This target group however caters a population of young adults who belongs to high school or university level and adult section, which is referred as working professionals. In recent times, both educational domains as well as work require high level of internet accessibility. The level of dependency of the target population of 18-30 years must be evaluated through this survey question.

Internet users in recent times are engaged in high rates of web accessibility whereby, people are more inclined towards social networking sites for various entertainment as well as recreational purposes rather than work related intentions. Micronesia is a nation where more than 30,000 thousand of the population is engaged in internet usage. This question will assist in understanding the number of users engaging in social networking sites.

Micronesia, a state has almost 31.5% of its population with internet accessibility at home (Mori & Governors, 2013). The population of internet users have accessibility at their places whether through any device namely computer or mobile as well as any other internet connections. The duration of internet usage can be comprehended through this question.

Internet Experience and Its Impact on Internet Usage

Gender disparities are identified the ways in which information are channelized as well as decision-making process are established in terms of the usage of internet. Differences between men and women in the process of internet usage are present because men tend to be more inclined to computers and advanced technologies than women (Stalker, 2015). Certain gender disparities also exist because of concerns related to socio-economic status, whereby men and women may vary in technological adaptation that further influences the accessibility of internet and advanced technology.

Women reportedly, use indulges in lower rate of internet usage such as business purposes than men do. In other situations, women indulge in more social media usage in order to share personal and entertainment information in internet sites rather than making revelations about their personal lives and experiences (Todd, 2014). Both men and women have changing degrees of online activity across varied regions. The aspect of social media platform is highly dependent on millions of women. They tend to spend nearly ten minutes of time on various sites of social networking via mobile web or through various applications of daily lives in comparison to men who tend to spend less than the women do.

Working adults consistently have shown increased rates of technology usage in comparison to the younger population pertaining to the high schools and universities. The former group is regarded to be more digitally associated with the internet usage because of their increased knowledge on internet accessibility and technologies. However, there can be another notable disparity between younger adults and working adults of 30 years (Mori & Governors, 2013). The increased ownership of smart phones amongst the target population is getting double in the past five years. Internet accessibility among the age of 18-30 years is immensely correlated with the monthly income of the household as well as educational attainment.

Young adults might be more subjected to internet usage and advanced gadgets due to the increasing rates of internet accessibility within their households. Educational institutes significantly depends on assignment which further facilitates them to improve their knowledge and skills on the particular subject. Students catering the group of younger adults seek assistance of online books and journals in order to accomplish the demands of the changing world in terms of technology in particular (Ayub, Hamid & Nawawi, 2014). Several online lesson groups offers graduate or post graduate students with the access to multimedia domain, which they can use at any given place, at any given time, and further support their learning in a scheduled manner.

Computer Training Programmes and Internet Usage

An expansion of internet usage in daily lives have led humans to reach anyone at any part of the globe, to shop online, to access online education as well as work remotely. However, this has caused detrimental effects to the lives of humans. The new form of disorder popularly known as cyber bullying has led millions of people to depend wholly on the services of internet. It has been further identified as a concern of clinical entity that is referred as a condition resulting in significant decrease in the social as well as academic functioning of an individual.

Increased rate of internet usage though have resulted in improvement of the quality of lives but has further led to the restrictions of social interactions. Though the world has become a more connected and associated place it has decreased the rate of face to face interactions amongst individuals (Kardefelt-Winther, 2014). People could vaguely relate to the lives of others in this arena of excess rate of internet.

Excess rate of internet though has resulted in causing isolations to the population target but has an immense contribution in the domain of knowledge enhancement of students as well as working individuals. It has paved the way for many who earlier used to get hindered due to lack of expertise and relative knowledge.

References

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Choi, N. G., & DiNitto, D. M. (2013). The digital divide among low-income homebound older adults: Internet use patterns, eHealth literacy, and attitudes toward computer/Internet use. Journal of medical Internet research, 15(5).

Duggan, M., & Brenner, J. (2013). The demographics of social media users, 2012 (Vol. 14). Washington, DC: Pew Research Center's Internet & American Life Project.

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