INVESTIGATING CRITICAL THINKING IN THE INTERNET ERA: THE IMPACT OF INTERNET UTILIZATION ON COLLEGE STUDENTS

Abstract

This qualitative study, titled "Investigating Critical Thinking in the Internet Era: The Impact of Internet Utilisation on College Students," aims to examine the influence of internet usage on the critical thinking abilities of college students. The study was carried out with a sample of 12 students in Nanchang, China, utilising NVivo 14 software for the purpose of conducting thematic data analysis. The research methodology comprises structured interviews and online surveys, with a specific emphasis on students' internet engagement and its cognitive impacts. The findings demonstrate that the internet has both a positive and negative effect on critical thinking. Although it offers a wide range of information and perspectives, it also presents difficulties, such as excessive information and untrustworthy sources. Active participation in online content is associated with improved critical thinking, in contrast to passive consumption. This study highlights the necessity of implementing educational strategies that encourage internet literacy and the critical evaluation of online information. It enhances comprehension of the impact of internet technologies on cognitive development and educational practices, promoting a balanced approach to incorporating the internet into education.