College students' perceptions of the effects of the Internet on their experiences of community at a Christian liberal arts college

This research project inquired into students' perceptions of the effects of the Internet on their experiences of community at college. The Internet is ubiquitous on college campuses and has the potential to both disrupt and enhance campus community. Literature in the area of student development affirms students' need to find a community of belonging in college. While much of the research related to college students and the Internet has focused on patterns of use and associated outcomes, little disciplined attention has been given to students' perceptions of the impact of the Internet on their experiences of campus community.; Data for this study were collected through semistructured interviews with twenty-eight full-time residential students, fourteen from the freshman class and fourteen from the senior class, at a Christian liberal arts college in the Midwest. Qualitative analyses suggest that the Internet has both positive and negative effects on students' experiences of community on campus. Students reported difficulty controlling the amount of time they spent online. The Internet was blamed for diminished face-to-face communications and message misinterpretations. The Internet was described as a positive way to meet people, develop relationships and maintain friendships. Data also revealed a shift in college students' preferred way of communicating via the Internet. Freshmen favored Facebook communications, while seniors preferred email correspondences. Recommendations for further research are suggested.