ADOLESCENT STUDENTS IN THE DIGITAL AGE: GENDER VARIATIONS IN INTERNET USE AND ACADEMIC PROCRASTINATION

Abstract

The advent of the technological age has drastically changed the lives of adolescents, both socially and intellectually, and as such, Problematic Internet Use and Academic Procrastination have become major issues. This study proposed to investigate the presence of Gender Differences on Problematic Internet Use and Academic Procrastination, and the relationship link existing between the variables, among the adolescent students, specifically of the Dehradun District, India. This study utilized the survey descriptive method and gathered data from 200 students of the secondary school.

Analysis of the findings revealed that boys had significantly high scores on dimensions as well as the total scores for PIU, such as Obsession, Neglect, and Control Disorder, compared to the scores of girls. On the other hand, no significant difference was observed between boys and girls regarding their scores for academic procrastination. This implies that procrastination for academic purposes and other reasons could be completely independent of gender. In addition, it was observed that there is an important and statistically significant positive link between PIU and academic procrastination for both boys and girls, and that the link is stronger for the latter.

This study offers insights into adolescent behavior and an examination of the contemporary world and provides an opportunity to conduct research that offers factual information to help teachers and professionals develop effective techniques for combating PIU and procrastination.