Netholism and Technological Interference as Manifestations of Communication in the Digital Environment

Abstract

The Internet, communication in cyberspace, digital technologies and smart devices have a stable place in the educational process moreover due to the COVID-19 pandemic. They bring several advancements and benefits, quick search for current information and their immediate availability. In addition to the positives, there are several risks associated with the Internet, which are even more dramatic in connection with technological interference, in which users of technologies and the Internet are disturbed through various applications or notifications. One of the extremely significant risks is the phenomenon of netholism, which is gaining even more risk in connection with the educational process, as its negative consequences in this area (multitasking, procrastination, problems with concentration, comprehension of texts, etc.) are proven, especially among university students. It can be confirmed that the Internet causes a certain transformation in human cogitation, the way of thinking and perception. The aim of this paper is to examine the phenomenon of netholism and its impact on the education of university students from a theoretical and empirical point of view. The research sample consists of 785 respondents, qualitative methods (phenomenological and hermeneutic approach) and a quantitative research strategy in the form of a questionnaire were used. The findings of the research are presented verbally and graphically, in the conclusion, proposals are formulated to improve the current situation with an appeal to media education and literacy.