An examination of high school students' internet skills and internet utilization levels in terms of different variables within the scope of second and third level digital divide

This study aims to examine high school students identified as digital natives in terms of their internet skills and benefits derived from the internet across various variables (gender, age, socioeconomic status, time spent online, and parental education level). Conducted through mixed methods research, the study selected a total of 379 students (232 females, 147 males) from 9th to 12th grades in various secondary schools in central districts of Adana province during the 2023-2024 academic year using simple random sampling. The qualitative phase involved two groups of eight students each selected for maximum diversity from a secondary school in central Adana. Data collection tools included a personal information form, "Internet Skills Perception Scale," and "Tangible Outcomes of Internet Use" scales in the quantitative phase, and a focus group interview form in the qualitative phase. Quantitative data were analyzed using independent samples t-test for pairwise comparisons and one-way ANOVA for comparisons involving three or more groups. Qualitative data were analyzed using descriptive analysis. Findings indicated that males outperformed females in operational, information search, creative internet skills, and economic benefits, while age did not significantly impact internet skills and usage levels. Despite the positive effect of family income and parental education on internet skills, they did not affect the level of benefits derived. Time spent online contributed mainly to social and cultural benefits. Qualitative findings revealed that students excelled in basic internet skills but faced challenges in advanced and creative skills such as software coding, accurate information retrieval, and safe internet usage. Personal and social benefits were most frequently derived from the internet, whereas economic benefits were least utilized. Keywords: Digital divide, internet, internet skill level