| This research was an exploratory study examining the uses, gratifications and the paradoxical effects of Internet use among Taiwan's Net-Generation (aged 13--24). The study was built upon three research areas: uses and gratifications (Katz, 1959), Internet addiction (Young, 1998), and Internet paradox (Kraut, Patterson, Lundmark, Kiesler, Mukhopadhyay, & Scherlis, 1998).; To survey the Net-generation in Taiwan, a cross-sectional research design and a proportionate stratified random sampling were used. A total of 1,119 completed questionnaires were collected. Results found Internet use, Internet displacement, and motives such as entertainment and escape, were significant predictors. It was also found that high Internet use predicted Internet addiction. Greater affective gratifications (such as entertainment and escape) predicted Internet addiction. In addition, high Internet use predicted loneliness. The Net-Generation experienced both the "bright and dark" side of cyberspace. The major motivations for Internet use were entertainment and escape/fill-time and the "dark side" of cyberspace was related to game addiction and loneliness. The social impacts of Internet use, cybercafes and online action games warrant the attention of parents, researchers, and educators. |
