Internet censorship in Turkey: University students' opinions,” World Journal on Educational Technology


Özkan H., ARIKAN A.

World Journal on Educational Technology, vol.1, no.1, pp.46-56, 2009 (Scopus)

  • Publication Type: Article / Article
  • Volume: 1 Issue: 1
  • Publication Date: 2009
  • Journal Name: World Journal on Educational Technology
  • Journal Indexes: Scopus, IBZ Online, ERIC (Education Resources Information Center), Directory of Open Access Journals
  • Page Numbers: pp.46-56
  • Akdeniz University Affiliated: No

Abstract

The aim of this paper is to study university students’ opinions toward online censorship with references to their socio-
political and economic variables. Considering the upwards trend and the increasing number of online restrictions in Turkey, 
the opinions of university students (n=138) are thought to give significant findings. The questionnaire aimed to collect data 
on some  chosen  aspects  of  censorship which  are  internet  access regulation  by  legal  authorities,  online  pornographic 
content, websites distributing illegal and crime related information and the political and religious aspects of the internet 
censorship.  The findings  about these four  basic  aspects toward the  online  censorship revealed that  despite the  high 
proportion of approval, participants have a  confused and  inconsistent attitude towards the  issue especially within the 
application and the idea of censorship. In a broader aspect, the findings can be interpreted as a sign of university students’ 
insufficient knowledge and understanding towards the current situation and the possible future of online censorship in 
Turkey.