The World Wide Web as a Functional Alternative to Television

TLDR

The study investigates whether Web surfing functions as a television alternative by applying a uses‑and‑gratifications framework to compare the two media. The authors surveyed computer‑experienced students with an online questionnaire and a three‑day media‑use diary to collect data on Web and television usage. Results show that Web surfing shares many television‑like motives—entertainment, pass‑time, relaxation, social information, and informational needs—yet it is less relaxing than TV, suggesting functional similarity mainly for diversion.

Abstract

Abstract This study was designed to explore the similarities between television and the World Wide Web (WWW). We adopted a uses and gratifications framework to assess whether Web surfing is a functional alternative to television viewing. A sample of computer-experienced students completed an on-line questionnaire and a three-day on-line media-use diary. We found that three major and two minor television-like reasons for Web surfing: Entertainment, Pass Time, Relaxation, Social Information, and Information. Our respondents used the Web for school, play, to acquire information and materials, and, to some extent, for work. The WWW may be functionally similar to television, especially in its use for diversion. But there are indications that the WWW may not be as relaxing a use of time as television viewing.