Effects of Internet use on self-efficacy: perceived network-changing possibility as a mediator

The effect of Internet use as a mediating variable on self-efficacy as it relates to the cognition of network-changing possibility '(i.e., connecting people or groups with different social backgrounds) was examined. The results showed that Internet use '(i.e., the frequency of sending e-mail, friends made on the Internet) had a positive effect on the cognition of network-changing possibility. The cognition that it is possible to connect people with different social backgrounds by using the Internet also had a positive effect on self-efficacy. On the other hand, the cognition that it is possible to find people or groups who share beliefs and interests by using the Internet negatively affected self-efficacy. Hence, it was found that the effect of Internet use on self-efficacy was different as a function of cognition of network-changing possibility.