Abstract:

The study entitled “Attitude Towards Internet and Social Networking Sites of Higher Secondary School Students of District Anantnag” was descriptive in nature and aimed to examine how students perceive and utilize internet and social networking platforms. A total of 100 students were selected through a random sampling technique from different higher secondary schools in District Anantnag, comprising both government and private institutions. Data were collected using standardized tools specifically designed to measure students’ attitudes towards the internet and social networking sites (ISNSAS). The collected data were analyzed using percentages and the t-test statistical method to determine any significant differences across demographic variables such as school type, gender, and socio-economic status (SES). The results of the study indicated that there was no significant difference in the mean ISNSAS scores between students attending government schools and those in private schools, suggesting a similar level of attitude regardless of school type. Likewise, the study found no significant gender-based differences in ISNSAS scores, indicating that both male and female students shared comparable attitudes toward internet usage and social networking platforms. However, a significant finding emerged in relation to socio-economic status, where students from high SES backgrounds demonstrated notably higher ISNSAS mean scores than those from lower SES backgrounds. This suggests that socio-economic factors may influence students’ engagement and perspectives on internet and social media usage. Overall, the study highlights the growing relevance of digital literacy and equitable access to technology in shaping student attitudes in contemporary educational settings.