Quantitative Methods: Internet's Impact on Truth Perception

This report, titled "How the Internet Affects Our Perception of Truth," investigates the profound influence of the internet, particularly social media, on the perception of truth among young people. The study explores how visual content, misinformation, and online discussions shape their beliefs. The research employs a literature review and secondary research methods, drawing on various studies and journals. Findings indicate that young people often struggle to discern reliable information online, with many readily accepting content without critical evaluation. The report highlights the need for media literacy and education to help young people navigate the digital landscape effectively. The conclusion emphasizes the importance of improving education systems to equip young people with the skills needed to critically assess online information and form accurate perceptions of truth. The study also suggests avenues for future research, including the impact of the internet on male and female children, the role of education, and the need for basic skill development.

QUANTITATIVE METHODS IN SOCIAL
RESEARCH
(How the Internet Affects Our Perception of Truth)

Abstract
Study discusses about how internet influence the perception of young people and change their
perception of truth. Report describes reason that impacts on mind of individuals and why they
believe on internet information.

TABLE OF CONTENTS
INTRODUCTION...........................................................................................................................1
MAIN BODY...................................................................................................................................1
Literature review.........................................................................................................................1
Methodology...............................................................................................................................2
Results and discussion.................................................................................................................2
CONCLUSION................................................................................................................................4
REFERENCES................................................................................................................................5

INTRODUCTION
I have chosen research topic How the Internet Affects Our Perception of Truth. As I
believe that internet in the modern era is being used by every person. People collect information
from this source and make their perception accordingly. Facebook, Google distract people
frequently, young people are not aware with the reality that internet change their mind and they
may assume wrong things as right. I believe that internet is the aspect which affects perception of
young audience about truth greatly therefore I hypothesise that how school teaching and
education can change perception of truth of young people.
MAIN BODY
Literature review
As per the view of Schivinski and Dabrowski, (2016) You Tube, Flickr, Vimeo and rest
other social sites show visual content and images which put a direct impact on the mind of young
audience. They believe on this information because images and content of these details are
designed in such a manner so that person would believe on it. Losse Change was the most
famous conspiracist film which has raised the issue that 9/11 was 'false flag' attack. It became
internet sensation and have attracted millions of viewers. In this,misquotes, vague insinuations
were used which has created a unique image of 9/11 in the mind of population .
According to Sagioglou and Greitemeyer, (2014) internet takes action against purveyors
of misinformation. There are many places where violence is increasing day by day. There are
many online websites which encourages people to take action against violence People give their
opinion on internet which gets viral and reach to mass audience. By this way, other people also
take interest in the topic and they change their perception of truth. Internet is the two way
communication method where population and admin both can coordinate with each other. There
are many dogmatic websites which make an effective control over content with an iron grip so
that information would not get changed into false perception or gossip. López and Sicilia, (2014)
argued that most of the people use false quotes in order to prove their words right. Report shows
that 20% learning posts on Facebook are false and 38% information are right. People picked
those ideas which are related to their surroundings and accordingly, they set their mind and
perception. Most of the people like those pages which are liked by maximum person and they
take it as reality (Newton, 2013).
1

Methodology
In carrying out literature review, I have used secondary research. This has provided me
significant qualitative and quantitative data on subject matter. I have taken support of library
where I found previous studies on how internet effect our perception of truth. I have also be
collected data from internet searching, most of the books, journals got by me on internet. There
are many authors who have conducted their studies on the same topic before some time. Upon
doing so I found few of the books that were paying more attention on positive and negative
aspects of internet and its impact on young people perception about truth. I have paid more
attention on books and journals, though I found many internet articles and information about this
topic but most of the ideas I have got from these secondary research.
Results and Discussion
Jamie Bartlett Carl Miller, (2011) stated that there is correlation between internet and
perception of truth among young people. Study has resulted that only 33% of 9-19 year old
people are able to make correct judgement about reliability and reality of internet information.
They do not receive correct information from internet they just set their mind as per the images
and content of reflect on internet. They do not even thing to find out reality of information
properly. Report has discussed that most of the people are unaware with the fact that internet
information can easily manipulate them so before changing their perception or believing on the
truth they need to be little sure. It has described that there are only 8% 12-15 year kids those who
check the site first and then access it. Whereas 17% people compare information on multiple
websites and then they change their perception about the topic. 26% people ask others for getting
reality of the fact which is being circulated on internet. One study has shown that 6 out of 10
people rate their confidence on online information. 3% respondents only show their total
confidence. It shows that maximum people easily believe on internet things, it is because it gets
viral very soon. Attractive quotes change their mind and they start believing on this information.
These persons are required to conform the fact of this data otherwise they may live with the
wrong perception.
Furthermore, Sinead Gorman, (2015) research provide valuable empirical data which
confirms that internet affects perception of truth among young people. 150 participants were
involved in this study in which 89 were female and rest 61 were male candidates. This study
shows that media uses are very same in male and female both. Score of female is 20.56 whereas
2

male score I and average of 20.15. There is negative correlation between female body image ad
media uses. From the discussion it can be interpreted that maximum young people are exposed to
media and internet impacts on their mind and they change their perception as per the information
reflect on these sites. Research has shown that in hypothesis 4, there is non- significant positive
relationship between media usage and self-esteem. In male it is r=.020, n=58, P>.05 and in
females it is r=.160, n=85, P>.05. It shows that both male and female self-esteem are not getting
affected by media or internet (Sinead Gorman, 2015).
In addition, Velga Vevere, (2015) has raised question about influence of social media on
everyday lives of human beings. 176 participants have viewed that social media influence the
way of speaking and everyday life style of individuals. Whatever information circulates on
internet shed lights on their mind and people change their perception.. Use of symbols,
abbreviation etc change perception of individuals. People sometimes believe on false data
because they are unaware with the reality. One more question was raised in this study which was
related to whether social media minimize social distance or not. On this question 161 answers
have viewed that it is true that it nullifies social distance.
Te Tari Whakarōpū Tukuata, (2013) study explained that online content impact on the
perception of young people to great extent. People those who are between 9-16 age, they easily
get influenced and start using drugs. Some of the person influence by these information and they
attempt suicide, self harm etc. 34% people believe that depictions are required to restrict their
children from using internet. Due to use of internet small kids learn bed habits and use offensive
languages.. Use of offensive language is not good but they read such words on internet so
people thing that these are appropriate words and they can also use. It affects their personality.
Researcher has asked respondent’s views about influence of media content on their behaviour.
On this topic, 64% participants have said that yes it influenced their thought and behaviour to a
great extent. They start reacting as what they seen on internet or any other social sites. On the
other hand, 24% has acknowledged that online content influence their behaviour in a manner
they act. Content of internet encouraged people in the society and they change their perception.
Some information that revealed on internet is impactful and it forces audience to look at the
environment from different perspectives. It gives narrative message to the persons. Education
plays a significant role in the life of young people. If person gets right education in their school
3

life and get proper awareness about internet reality then it may support in changing their
perception and set their mind about truth.
CONCLUSION
The empirical literature reviewed has proved my hypothesis to be corrected that internet
affect perception of truth among young people. From the study it can be concluded that internet
presents the information in such manner that it impacts on the mind of young people. Use of
misquotes and wrong images change their psychology and they start behaving accordingly. If I
was to carry extensive research on the same topic then I would defiantly add impact on internet
on male and female children. Furthermore, I would involve issues related to internet content,
spreading sources, education system and basic skill development in young people. These aspects
can make the future study more impactful.
It is essential to improve education system for young people. If they get proper guidance
and how to use internet then they will not get misguided. This will help in setting their mind in
right direction and understanding the reality of truth.
4

REFERENCES
Books and Journals
López, M. and Sicilia, M., 2014. Determinants of E-WOM influence: the role of consumers'
internet experience. Journal of theoretical and applied electronic commerce
research. 9(1). pp.28-43.
Newton, J., 2013. The burden of visual truth: The role of photojournalism in mediating reality.
Routledge.
Sagioglou, C. and Greitemeyer, T., 2014. Facebook’s emotional consequences: Why Facebook
causes a decrease in mood and why people still use it. Computers in Human
Behavior. 35. pp.359-363.
Schivinski, B. and Dabrowski, D., 2016. The effect of social media communication on consumer
perceptions of brands.Journal of Marketing Communications. 22(2). pp.189-214.
Online
Jamie Bartlett Carl Miller, 2011. truth, lies and the internet a report into young people’s digital
fluency. [Online]. Available through <https://www.demos.co.uk/files/Truth_-_web.pdf>
Sinead Gorman, 2015. The effects of media on body image and self esteem. [online]. Available
through <http://esource.dbs.ie/bitstream/handle/10788/2505/ba_gorman_s_2015.pdf?
sequence=1>
Te Tari Whakarōpū Tukuata, 2013. Young people's perceptions of media content: a literature
review. [Online]. Available Through
<https://www.classificationoffice.govt.nz/assets/PDFs/research-young-peoples-
perceptions-literature-review-2013.pdf>
Velga Vevere, 2015. IMPACT OF SOCIAL MEDIA ON INTERPERSONAL COMMUNICATION
PATTERNS. [Online]. Available through <https://www.mruni.eu/upload/iblock/b49/09-
Velga%20Vevere.pdf>
5