Online Spending Behaviour and Academic use of the Internet among Post Graduate Students

Abstract

In today’s digital age, online shopping and internet usage have become an essential part of students’ everyday routines. This study seeks to explore the online spending behaviour of postgraduate students, the frequency and pattern of their online book purchases, and the role of the internet in supporting academic activities. The study is based on the data collected from post graduate students of various programmes under Kannur University. The collected data were analysed using mean, median, mean score analysis, percentage analysis, and suitable graphs. The results indicate that students primarily use the internet for communication and shopping, with clothing and electronic items being the most frequently purchased, while online book purchases are comparatively low. Most students shop online twice a year, spending less than Rs 5,000 annually and report that the internet aids in easier and more engaging learning, timely completion of tasks, and access to study materials. The findings highlight the popularity of online shopping and suggest opportunities to promote academic focused online purchases. Future studies could examine ways to enhance students’ academic engagement through digital resources and online book platforms.