Affect Internet Use Research Articles

Internet use, spatial variation and its determinants among reproductive age women in Ethiopia

BackgroundThe Internet is the preferred source of health information for retrieving relevant information. In Ethiopia, the Internet penetration rate is improving year to year, but it is still at a low level compared to the rest of the world and neighboring African countries. Due to a lack of adequate information, it is important to assess Internet use, spatial variation, and determinants of Internet use among reproductive-age group women in Ethiopia.MethodSecondary data from EDHS 2016 were used to analyze 15,683 women aged 15–49 years. Spatial analysis was performed using ArcGIS 10.7. The Bernoulli model was used by applying Kuldorff’s methods using SaTScan 10.1.2 software to analyze the purely spatial clusters of Internet use. A multilevel mixed-effect logistic regression was applied to estimate community variance to identify individual- and community-level factors associated with Internet use. All models were fitted in STATA version 17.0, and finally, the adjusted odds ratio (AOR) with a corresponding 95% confidence interval (CI) was reported.ResultThe magnitude of Internet use was 4.97% ± 95% CI (4.63–5.32). The overall average age of women was 24.21 ± 8.06 years, with the age range 15–24 years constituting the larger group (39.2%). Women with secondary and above education [AOR = 6.47; 95% CI (5.04, 8.31)], unmarried [AOR = 2.60; 95% CI (1.89, 3.56)], rich [AOR = 1.95; 95% CI (1.00, 3.80)], own a mobile phone [AOR = 3.74; 95% CI (2.75, 5.09)], media exposure [AOR = 2.63; 95% CI (2.03, 3.42)], and urban [AOR = 1.80; 95% CI (1.08, 3.01)] had higher odds of Internet use. The spatial variation in Internet use was found to be nonrandom (global Moran’s I = 0.58, p value < 0.001). Fifty-seven primary clusters were identified that were located in Addis Ababa city with a relative likelihood of 10.24 and a log-likelihood ratio of 425.16.ConclusionsInternet use among reproductive-age women in Ethiopia is 4.97 and has significant spatial variation across the country. Both community- and individual-level factors affect Internet use in Ethiopia. Therefore, educating women, improving access to media, encouraging women to use family planning, and supporting household wealth could improve women’s Internet use.

&lt;p&gt;Young Farmers' Utilization of Internet for Agricultural Purposes: Evidence from Chiang Mai Province, Thailand&lt;/p&gt;

Despite Thailand ranking high among Asia-Pacific countries in The Network Readiness Index 2022 and the increasing Internet access, rural communities in Thailand still face significant barriers to fully utilizing the Internet for agriculture-related activities. This gap in effective digital connection hinders the transfer of crucial information and communication necessary to support and enhance agricultural practices. Hence, this paper’s objective aims to explore utilization of the Internet by young farmers and the factors affecting this utilization. To achieve this, 369 young farmers in Mae Chaem district, Chiang Mai province, were surveyed. Data collected was analyzed using descriptive statistics (e.g., frequency and percentage) and relationships were analyzed using Ordered logistic regression analysis. Research results show that all farmers had Internet access and used it on their smartphones (100%). The participants used smartphone applications related to agriculture, with most utilizing LINE and Facebook to contact their fellow farmers (90.0% and 89.2%, respectively). Most participants search for agricultural information through YouTube (86.2%) and search engines (e.g., Google) (61.3%) to find information on plant and animal varieties and methods for crop planting and raising animals. Seven factors were found to influence Internet utilization for agricultural purposes: age, education, contact with agricultural extension officers, agricultural organization membership, use of home or cable Internet, and use of government-provided Internet were statistically significant in affecting Internet use (p &lt; 0.01). Based on these results following policy recommendations are provided to encourage farmers to use the Internet for agricultural purposes: Relevant government agencies should set directional policies to create more contact channels for farmers, develop and disseminate educational materials online via social media platforms such as Facebook, LINE, and YouTube, and improve the Internet network and services.

Risk Factors Affecting Internet Use in Adolescents: A Literature Review

In today's time, people spend more time on the Internet for long hours due to the increasing number of exciting Internet applications and the convenience of life provided by such applications. Internet use can be at risk if its use is excessive and can cause dependence and addiction. Suppose internet users have experienced addiction or dependence. In that case, it can cause risk factors that are harmful to mental and physical health, poor school achievement, relationships with family/parents that are less harmonious, and excessive household income conditions. Therefore, it is essential to understand the risk factors arising from excessive internet use. So as to raise awareness about health issues currently affecting young people in vulnerable groups. The literature review of this article was obtained from the online databases Science Direct, SpringerLink, ProQuest, EBSCO, and Pubmed in the publication year 2015-2020. Evidence shows that most research articles explain a lot about the risk factors for someone experiencing excessive internet use due to mental health problems and relationship problems with family/parents that are negative. Risk factors that influence Internet use in adolescents have been described in many previous studies. However, little is known about how many risk factors influence internet use in teens. Therefore, this article will provide a number of critical gaps in the evidence base to be used as a source of information on the development of appropriate interventions and can provide a preventive strategy to reduce excessive Internet use in adolescents.

Digital Technology Access and Health-Related Internet Use Among People Experiencing Homelessness in Hungary: Quantitative Survey.

In recent years, there has been an increase in the use of digital technology for personal health and well-being. Previous research has revealed that these technologies might provide vulnerable populations, including those who are homeless, better access to health services and thus a greater chance of more personalized care. However, little is known about the relationship between technology and health among people experiencing homelessness in Central and Eastern Europe. This study is part of a series of studies by the Digital Health Research Group at Semmelweis University (Budapest, Hungary) in cooperation with the Hungarian Charity Service of the Order of Malta; it aims to assess the existing technological resources available for the homeless population and their health-related internet use characteristics to set the ground for potential health policy interventions, enabling better access to health services by strengthening the digital components of the existing health care system. Between April 19, 2021, and August 11, 2021, a total of 662 people from 28 institutions providing social services for people experiencing homelessness in Budapest, Hungary, were surveyed about their access to digital tools and internet use patterns. For selected questions, the responses of a representative sample of the Hungarian population were used for comparison as the reference group. Chi-square tests and logistic regression analyses were performed to identify variables affecting internet use for health-related reasons. The results demonstrated a considerable level of internet use in the homeless population; 52.9% (350/662) of the respondents used the internet frequently compared with 81.3% (1220/1500) of the respondents in the reference group. Among the homeless group, 69.6% (461/662) of the respondents reported mobile phone ownership, and 39.9% (264/662) of the respondents added that it had a smartphone function. Moreover, 11.2% (70/662) of the respondents had already used a health mobile app, and 34.6% (229/662) of the respondents had used the internet for medical purposes. On the basis of these characteristics, we were able to identify a broadly defined, digitally engaged group among people experiencing homelessness (129/662, 19.5%). This subpopulation was inclined to benefit from digitalization related to their personal health. Multivariate analysis demonstrated that internet use for health reasons was more significant for younger respondents, women, those with higher levels of education, and those with no chronic conditions. Although compared with the general population, health-related internet use statistics are lower, our results show that the idea of involving homeless populations in the digital health ecosystem is viable, especially if barriers to access are systematically reduced. The results show that digital health services have great promise as another tool in the hands of community shelters for keeping homeless populations well ingrained in the social infrastructure as well as for disease prevention purposes.

Development of the ICT sector and the determinants of Internet use in the Southern Caucasus

This paper examines Internet use in the Southern Caucasus by qualitative and quantitative methods. Firstly, as the developments in ICTs affect Internet use, the macroeconomic problems faced in the development of the sector are qualitatively analyzed. It is seen that high Internet service prices, government dominance, and lack of competition in the ICT sector as well as the wars in some regions are obstacles to Internet use. Finally, the determinants of Internet use are explored using survey data and employing microeconometric techniques considering sample selection. The empirical findings, inter alia, indicate that key variables contributing to frequent Internet use are computer ability in Armenia and computer ownership in Azerbaijan, and mobile phone ownership in Georgia.

Association rule mining method for the identification of internet use

Internet penetration in the majority of Indonesian cities has exponentially increased, as seen from the increasing number of internet users in schools, businesses and society in general. The purpose of internet use varies to include searching for information, sending emails, chatting, entertainment, as well as buying and selling goods/services, among other reasons. However, it is compelling to note that one of the factors affecting internet use is gender. Hence, this research aims to reveal the different patterns in internet use by considering gender differences. The data comes from the National Social Economic Survey conducted in the East Java Province, and association rule is used for the data mining method. The results from examining one itemset show that both male and female genders mostly use the internet to access social media. However, the outcomes are different for other itemsets. The results from analysing two itemsets based on male and female groups reveal that both genders use the internet for financial services and news. The use of association rule mining to examine three itemsets demonstrates that most male users simultaneously access emails, financial services and news. Meanwhile, most female users access financial services, goods/services and news.

Does the Nature of the Study Affect Internet Use and Addiction? Comparative- Study in Benha University, Egypt

Introduction: The importance of using internet is increasing now because it is one of the most effective tools in many fields as science, business and education. The negative effects of social networking locations overweigh the positive ones. There are few studies about Facebook and Internet addiction among youth and adolescent in Egypt. Aim of the work: To determine prevalence, pattern of internet utilization, and effects of internet and Facebook among students of Benha university and to investigate the role of study nature on the use of internet. Subject& Methods: A comparative cross sectional study conducted in University of Benha during 2nd term of the year of academic (2018-2019). The study enrolled (755) students from medicine and education faculties. A self- administered semi structured questionnaires is used as a tool for data collection. It included some questions about socio-demographic data, internet and Facebook, physical health hazards and Young Internet Addiction Test (YIAT). Results: Most all students whether from faculty of medicine or education reported “home” as the frequent place for internet (99.5% and 97.7%) and mobile phone as the most commonly used device. Afternoon and evening times are the preferred times to use internet for students of both faculties (79% and 74.9%).Medical students differed significantly regarding duration of internet use /years (57.2% vs. 51.5% used internet for more than five years)and average daily use(41.5 % vs. 31% use internet for about 4 to 6 hours daily).Entertainment was the most common purpose for usage and was significantly higher among medical students (60.8% vs. 42.5%).Students from faculty of education experienced more health hazards than medical students due to internet and Facebook usage and all these differences were of statistical significance. Academic performance was the most affected from point of view of education students (62.3% vs. 46.5%). The majority of students are potential problematic internet users(PIUs) (70.5% for faculty of medicine vs. 63.7% for faculty of education), but actual problematic internet users were more among students of faculty of education (13% vs. 1.5 %). Family income and sex were significant predictors of YIAT score among the all students. Conclusion: Facebook and internet use affects the social life of university students. Students from faculty of education experienced more physical health hazards and higher percentage of PIUs. So Health education of university students to moderate their use of internet and social media is essential.

Does Ageism Widen the Digital Divide? And Does It Vary by Gender?

Existing literature informed that ageism might affect Internet use among older adults, further widening the digital divide among age groups. However, little empirical studies have been conducted on this topic. Our study aims to investigate (1) the current use of the Internet by gender, (2) the association between ageism and Internet use, and (3) potential gender differences. A cross-sectional data drawn from the 2016 Health and Retirement Study (HRS) was analyzed. Separate multiple regression analyses were conducted by gender to determine the varying impact of ageism on Internet use. We used two types of ageism (1) internal ageism (ingroup discrimination) and (2) external ageism (discrimination from external entities) to observe each type’s contribution to Internet use. About half of the sample (52% male and 54% female) reported using the Internet “daily,” while a quarter (26% male and 25% female) responded, “never/not relevant.” No significant differences between gender were found in levels of Internet use, the rates of external ageism, or the degree of internal ageism. A higher level of ageism was associated with a lower level of Internet use. Interaction effects between age groups and ageism varied across gender: external ageism had interaction effects on men’s Internet use whereas internal ageism showed significant results for women. Our findings suggest that ageism may influence Internet use and its impact differs by gender. Gender-tailored intervention strategies should be developed to help older individuals to diminish the adverse effects of ageism on Internet use.

Do educational inequalities affect Internet use? An analysis for developed and developing countries

This study investigates whether the existence of educational inequalities at the country level affects Internet use. Additionally, we explore the extent to which these impacts depend on countries’ economic development levels. We use a logit model and data set of 69 high- and middle-income countries for the period 2005–2015. We find a negative relationship between Internet use and education inequality for the whole sample. The results confirm that, in addition to the level of education and other socioeconomic variables, the distribution of formal education among citizens within a country is also important to explain Internet use. We also obtain that this distribution affects Internet use to a higher extent in middle-income economies in comparison with high-income ones. Unlike the positive influence of educational levels obtained in the academic literature, the existence of within-country educational disparities negatively influences Internet use. This study demonstrates the influence of countries’ educational structure in relative terms in explaining Internet use.

Factors affecting internet use among university students in Sarawak, Malaysia: an empirical study

Background: The internet has become an indispensable tool for communication, academic research, information and entertainment. However, heavy users of the internet lead to less confidence in social skills and the tendency to be isolated. The study aimed to assess the pattern of internet use and factors affecting problematic internet use among university students.Methods: This cross-sectional study conducted among the students of a university in Sarawak, Malaysia. A multistage cluster sampling technique was adapted to select the participants. Data were collected from 463 students by self-administered questionnaire. Hierarchical binary logistic regression analysis was done to determine the potential factors for problematic internet use.Results: The mean age of the students was 22 years, with a standard deviation of 1.6 years. Two-fifths (61.8%) of the students had no problematic internet use. However, 35.4% had moderate and 2.8% had severe problematic internet use. Hierarchical binary logistic regression analysis found that age of the students, year of study, duration of daily internet use and use of social networking like Skype appeared to be potential predictors of problematic internet use (p&lt;0.05).Conclusions: This study was conducted in only one university, thus did not depict the overall scenarios of the country. The implications of the findings are still worth noting in the process of designing internet addiction studies among university students. Overall, this study has unearthed some useful insights which can serve as a guide to more elaborate studies.

Predictors of overall and mental health-related internet use in adults with psychosis

As digital interventions are beginning to be developed to support self-management of psychosis, it is important to understand how illness-related and individual factors may affect internet use and engagement with digital mental health resources among people with psychotic disorders. This study aimed to identify demographic, clinical, and personal variables associated with overall and mental health-related internet use in a sample of 189 adult community mental health service users with nonaffective and affective psychotic disorders. Among participants who regularly used the internet (87.3%), most (67.9%) reported using the internet for mental health information. Higher frequency of overall internet use was predicted by younger age, completion of post-secondary education, and less severe negative symptoms. Internet use for mental health information was predicted by younger age, higher levels of overall internet use, current productive employment, and higher loneliness. This study is the first to quantitatively examine how clinical and personal measures relate to overall and mental health-related internet use in people with psychosis. Although cognitive difficulties and negative symptoms impacted overall internet use, these disorder-related difficulties did not further impact internet use for mental health information. Digital mental health resources should be designed to optimise engagement for this population.

Internet Use around the World: An Empirical Assessment

Abstract This paper empirically assesses the effect of the determinants of Internet use, using several samples of both developed and developing countries. Based on a sample of 23 low-income economies in 2015, we find that Internet use depends upon computer access. Using a sample of 38 lower middle-income countries we find that Internet use depends upon Internet quality and Internet affordability. Using a sample of 41 upper middle-income countries, we find that computer access and Internet affordability influence Internet use. From a sample of 45 high-income countries, we are able to show that computer access, Internet quality, and affordability do affect Internet use. Using a sample of thirty oecd countries, we find that Internet use depends upon computer access and Internet quality. When a sample of 150 developing and developed countries is used, results show that Internet use is influenced by computer access, Internet quality, Internet affordability, and Internet application.

Urology Patients and the Internet: Socioeconomic Status and Language Skills Significantly Impact Use

IntroductionPatient Internet use and resources are likely multifactorial. We assess how socioeconomic factors and language skills affect Internet use by patients. MethodsWe prospectively surveyed 116 patients with a bilingual questionnaire before they underwent urological surgery from July to September 2013. We obtained institutional review board approval for this study. Patients were surveyed for demographic data, English abilities, Internet use, anxiety level and understanding of the surgery. ResultsPatients with low English abilities were significantly more likely to have lower incomes and education (p <0.05). In addition, patients with low English abilities were significantly more likely neither to have Internet access nor to have used it to research their surgery. On multivariate analysis those with low confidence in English were 2.8 times more likely not to have used the Internet to research their surgery when controlling for age. Increased age remained statistically associated with a lower likelihood of using the Internet even when controlling for all demographic data. Lastly, patients with low confidence in English were significantly less likely to report increased anxiety before surgery (OR 0.147) when controlling for all demographic data including ethnicity. ConclusionsIn our community those patients with low confidence in their English abilities are less likely to have access to, and use, the Internet before undergoing surgery. Older patients also use the Internet less often. Urologists should be aware of this potential language and age gap. Those with low English skills should likely be provided with additional counseling.

Tu1080 A Single-Centre Pilot Study Examining Internet Use for Health-Related Information Among Patients With Inflammatory Bowel Disease

Introduction The internet offers a wealth of information for patients with chronic disease, facilitating education and shared decision making; however, this can often be unregulated and inaccurate. 1 Inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) patients use of the internet has been investigated 2 but no studies have examined whether internet use alters with disease activity or influences patients decisions regarding health. We evaluated patients internet use for health-related information (HRI), including factors influencing website choice and whether this information influences decisions regarding healthcare or changes with disease severity. Methods A prospective, pilot survey of 170 consecutive patients attending the IBD clinic over a one month period in November 2013. The anonymous questionnaire included demographic information on age, gender, education level, diagnosis and disease activity. There were also questions regarding use of the internet for HRI, determinants of website quality and influences of information found on the internet on decisions affecting their health. Results A total of 136 IBD patients completed the questionnaire (80% response rate), 60 [44%] male, age 18–85 years [median age 37 years] 67 [49%] had CD; 84 [62%] reported a flare of symptoms in the preceding 6 months. 126 (93%) use the internet, 110 (81%) of which access HRI information via the internet. 94% of patients were educated to completion of high school or above and level of education did not affect internet use. Using NHS direct (46%), Crohn’s and colitis UK (40%) and IBD forums (29%), patients searched for general health (77; 57%); IBD specific (63; 46%) and medication (47; 35%) information. 45 (33%) stated that information found on the internet would influence their choice of medication, irrespective of a flare within the last 6 months. 71% (96) felt confident that they could obtain factual information on the internet, although when determining website quality, overall appearance and position in search engines and whether the site was non-commercial were ranked least important and IBD-specific sites from a reputable source most important. Conclusion In our study, internet use is shown to be a major source of disease –specific information and can affect patients’ decision making. Internet usage and type of information sought do not alter with disease activity, suggesting that information is equally useful to all patients with IBD. References 1 Fortinsky et al . Innflam Bow. Dis 2012; 18(6):1156–63 2 Cima et al . Inflamm Bowel Dis 2012; 13 (10)1266–1270 Disclosure of Interest None Declared.

Understanding Older Adults’ Perceptions of Internet Use: An Exploratory Factor Analysis

The current study examined factors related to older adults’ perceptions of Internet use. Three hundred ninety five older adults participated in the study. The factor analysis revealed four factors perceived by older adults as critical to their Internet use: social connection, self-efficacy, the need to seek financial information, and the need to seek health information. Key differences were found between previous research and the factors extracted in this study. The regression analysis demonstrated that variables like health condition, financial status, computer experience, and life satisfaction significantly predict, at various levels, factors perceived by the older adults to affect Internet use. The significance of the study as well as its implications for research and practice are discussed. Suggestions are made for future research and practice.

PTH-044 A Single-centre Pilot Study Examining Internet Use For Health Related Information Among Patients With Inflammatory Bowel Disease

IntroductionThe internet offers a wealth of information for patients with chronic disease, facilitating education and shared decision making; however, this can often be unregulated and inaccurate.1 Inflammatory bowel disease (IBD)...

Use of Internet Resources by Patients Awaiting Gastroenterology Consultation

Purpose: The purpose of this study is to better comprehend the medical information on the internet sought by outpatients awaiting initial gastroenterology consultation and whether wait times affect internet use. Methods: A cross-sectional survey of 87 gastroenterology outpatients awaiting consultation was performed at a tertiary care centre. Results: Fifty-two patients (60%) used the internet for medical information. The mean age of patients using the internet was 41 years compared to those not using the internet which was 60 years (p<0.0001). The internet was used by 71% of females and 47% of males (p<0.05). The internet was sought by 33% with less than secondary school, 59% with secondary school, 66% with a college or undergraduate degree, and 100% with a postgraduate degree (p=0.14). The mean consultation wait time for patients that used the internet was 158 days and 147 days for patients that did not use the internet (p=0.60). Websites searched were medical websites in 71%, through search engines in 63%, institutional and society websites in 19%, blogs in 6%, and pharmaceutical websites in 6%. Medical information sought on the internet was symptoms and diagnosis in 85%, treatment in 62%, disease causes in 62%, coping in 27%, and prognosis in 19%. The reasons patients resorted to using the internet were personal curiosity in 75%, worsening of symptoms in 42%, wait times in 36%, lack of confidence in physicians in 13%, and at the recommendation of a physician in 10%. Patients that used the internet believed they had an underlying disease in 87% while patients not using the internet felt so in 46% (p=0.0001). Anxiety levels did not change in 77% of patients using the internet. Conclusion: Younger patients and females were more likely to use the internet. Wait times did not affect internet use. The internet is a powerful patient resource, but further physician guidance is required to assist patients in identifying reliable resources.

A survey of Internet utilization among patients with cancer

Recently published articles have established that a substantial number of cancer patients utilize the Internet to gather information about their respective diagnoses. The challenges for medical providers include understanding the prevalence and characteristics of patients using the Internet, reasons for Internet use, and the effectiveness of currently available websites in providing useful health-related information to patients. Adults with cancer were asked to complete a self-administered, anonymous, 21-item questionnaire upon registration at the Alvin J. Siteman Cancer Center at the Washington University School of Medicine. There were 500 respondents (mean age 58years (range 18-90), 83% Caucasian and 15% African-American). Three hundred ninety-eight participants (80%) reported access to the Internet, and 315 (63%) reported searching for information about cancer on the Internet. Patients accessing the Internet for cancer information were younger than those who did not (median age 56 vs. 63years; p < 0.001). Internet usage for cancer information also differed by race (p < 0.0001) and education (p < 0.0001). Among patients who searched the Internet for cancer information, 13.3% of patients had their decisions towards treatments affected or changed, and 11.4% of patients had their choice in physicians affected or changed because of Internet use; 23.5% of patients sought information on clinical trials, and 9.5% of patients were influenced or changed their decision regarding clinical trial enrollment due to Internet information. Approximately two thirds of patients with cancer used the Internet to obtain information about their disease. Factors affecting Internet use for cancer information included age, race, and education. Clinical decisions can be affected by Internet use.

Use of the internet for self-education by adults with cancer

6606 Background: Recently published articles have established that a substantial number of cancer patients are utilizing the internet to gather information about their respective diagnoses. The challenges for medical providers include understanding the prevalence of self-help internet usage, the time-point of access during care, and the use of specific online resources. Methods: Adults with cancer were asked to complete a self-administered, anonymous, 21-item questionnaire upon registration at Siteman Cancer Center at Washington University School of Medicine. Results: The characteristics of 500 participants who responded to the questionnaire: mean age 58 years (range 18- 90), 83% Caucasian and 15% African American. The most common diagnoses included breast (25%), blood/bone marrow (25%), gastro-intestinal (16%), lung/esophageal (15%), and head/neck (7%) cancers. Three hundred ninety eight reported access to the internet and of those, 315 participants reported searching for information about cancer on the internet. Patients accessing the internet for cancer information tended to be younger on average than those who did not (56 vs. 63 years; p< 0.001). Internet usage for cancer information differed by race (p<0.0001) and education (p<0.0001). Those with education beyond the twelfth grade were more likely to search the internet for cancer information. Fifty-four percent searched the internet for cancer information prior to their first oncologist visit and 71% used search engines to produce websites. Among patients who searched the internet for cancer information, 78% were familiar with the American Cancer Society website, 43% WebMD, 37% National Cancer Institute, 10% People Living With Cancer, and 10% American Society of Clinical Oncology. Conclusions: Approximately two-thirds of patients with cancer use the internet to obtain information about their disease. Factors affecting internet use for cancer information include age, race and level of education. A number of highly reputable cancer-organization websites are under-utilized by patients. No significant financial relationships to disclose.

Modeling the determinants of Internet use

The purpose of the study is to build a model that predicts the level of Internet use by teachers of English as a foreign language in the northern Taiwanese higher education institutions. It examines interactional relationships among variables associated with barriers and issues of technology application as a means of analyzing the extent and the nature of Internet-integration instruction. A multivariate hypothesized model was tested using structural equation modeling to analyze statistically the variables examined in the study. The resulting model is found to have a good statistical fit. Teacher training, classroom pedagogy, and perceived capability have direct effect on Internet use, whereas institutional support, constructivist thinking, beliefs, and attitudes affect Internet use indirectly. These seven variables account for approximately 58.6% of the variance of Internet use. Teacher training appears to be the most dominant determinant of Internet use. More opportunities for professional development focused on technology applications in language instruction are crucial.