ATTITUDES OF STUDENTS IN EDUCATIONAL STUDIES TOWARDS THE RISKS AND BENEFITS OF THE WEB AND PERCEIVED SOCIAL NORMS

Abstract

This article presents the results of a qualitative study conducted with 134 humanities graduate students aged 25-50. The main research questions are: what are the users' attitudes and evaluation of how they use the Web, to what extent and in what direction are the benefits and risks considered in this regard, and what are the perceived social norms and messages in virtual environment. The results reflect a prevalence of perceived positives versus negatives, as well as respondents declaration on the different ways and skills of users to search and rely on information in the web. In regard to notions of the ideal body, the successful person and the modern man, social norms have their place, however it is parallel to the maintained personal opinion. All this is analyzed with reference to the importance of building and maintaining an active attitude of reflection and self-reflection and critical thinking from as early an age as possible.