Analysis of Internet Metaphors: Case for Information Technology Students

The purpose of this study is to determine the Internet-related metaphors used by Information Technology students and examine these metaphors in terms of their class, gender, daily internet use, internet use experiences and internet use proficiencies. This exploratory research seeks to answer four specific questions in line with determining the internet metaphors of IT students. A questionnaire developed by the researchers was used for data collection. The questionnaire included a total of 13 items, 10 of which are multiple choice and three of which are open-ended. Based on the findings obtained in the study, the Information Technology students were found to use their own internet metaphors besides the widespread internet metaphors. It was concluded that the students produced metaphors emphasizing the sharing of and access to information for the internet and that among widespread internet metaphors, they used the network metaphor most and among the metaphor families, they used the “open space” metaphor family most. This finding revealed that sharing of and access to information and networks was most important factors for the students’ use and perception of the internet. In addition, it was also revealed that there was a significant difference between the frequencies of the information technology students’ use of the metaphor families with respect to the class. Based on the results of metaphor analysis, required recommendations were presented related to inform students about the scope and features of the internet in their courses.