The multi media international television channels and the Internet : their use by students in Jordanian state universities and their effects

This study aims to explore the importance of international satellite television channels
and the internet for Jordanian students at the State Universities. It explores the impact
on students' perceptions. The study pursued its aims through the use of 1150 subjects
and 28 individual interviews, 14 interviews for the satellite part and 14 for the internet
part. The study consisted of sample male and female students who were on role for
the academic year 2000/2001 at the three main Jordanian Universities, Jordan,
Yarmouk, and Muta.

The reason for choosing this sample has been as they are the most active users of
satellite-delivered systems and of computer technology and the internet in Jordanian
society. Further, their age and status can also be identified as the group most likely to
become decision-makers, occupying key positions within Jordanian Government and
society in the future.

The study has clearly shown an increase in the numbers of owning of these systems
from only a few, who initially saw them as a status symbol, to the many, who now see
them as a necessity of life. There is a rapid spread of internet cafes as well as a growth
in available television programmes. As the research shows, the TV programmes are
now seen as an interesting way of filling the hours when young people are not
studying.

The research has revealed a clash of cultures. The gravity of the contrast between the
old and the new is particularly apparent in Jordan. The young people wish to be loyal
to their traditional and distinctive values, but they also want to be modern,
international and knowledgeable.

The majority of the sample cohort used in the research has an average monthly
income of between 00-200 Jordan Dinars (One JD is just equal to one British Pound).
The study indicates that marked reason for owning satellite and related systems is
purely social.

The results indicate that the Arab satellite programmes are similar in almost all
respects to western ones. But the Arab satellite television programmes are not
particularly attractive to Arab audiences, because the Arab versions are poor in
content and do not have the attraction of western versions. The study results also
indicate that Arab satellite programmes do not help build links between the Arab
emigrants and their homeland.

The heaviest use and that first identified by respondents using the internet is for
electronic mail. The results indicate that the internet gives the chance to access what
is forbidden in traditional society and in this sense it is also an opportunity
deliberately to escape from the limitations of society. The limitations imposed by
society's mores are still strong in Jordan, and there is a clash between the traditional
and the modern. This conflict is made obvious by the fact that religion in Jordan, as in
other Arab countries, is still extremely influential and in many respects exercises
control over aspects of life. This is also apparent in the home environment under
family supervision. The resulting tension has been reflected in the findings.