The Role of the Internet in Family Values in Students of Tehran University of Medical Sciences

The Internet is a tool that responds to many human needs, but this technology can also have an impact on people's lives. This study aimed to examine the role of the Internet in family values. This descriptive-analytic cross-sectional study was conducted in 2015 in Tehran, Iran. The research population consisted of all the students of Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, the sample size being 384. Data were collected using a questionnaire, as well as The Young's standard questionnaire, and analyzed by the SPSS software version 22, the statistical test being one-way analysis of variance. The findings showed statistically significant positive associations (p<0.05) between the student's dependence on the Internet on the one hand and the following variables on the other: intimacy among users, family awareness and information, and the extent to which the students were using the Internet. However, no statistically significant relationship was found between Internet use and anonymity on the Internet. The constant use of the Internet and accepting it as the main reference and channel for obtaining information have caused negative effects on family life and the relationships and values within the family framework. Therefore, university students should try to make optimum, more proper use of the Internet. It is also recommended that responsible authorities adopt appropriate policies and implement cognitive-behavioral interventions aiming at changing the patterns of Internet use.