The easy availability of various means of Information Technology (IT) and mass media has helped people to have easy access to the all the information required. The modern day student is usually seen surrounded by a laptop, mobile phone and television most of the time — s/he is using these means for getting information as well as for having fun.

But this easy access to IT has both advantages and disadvantages. Everyone including the students thus must be cautious while using them. In this context some college goers share with The Himalayan Times about their perceptions on pros and cons of information technology

I see both advantage and disadvantage of having access to information. In this modern era it is necessary to stay informed to solve various kinds of problems. With availability of new information technologies, life has become much easier — staying inside your room you are able to shop and visit the world. Nonetheless, one can be misled by wrong information. The easy availability of information is one reason responsible for the emergence of cyber crime.

— Gopal Dumre, BBS IIIrd Year, Sagarmatha Multiple College, Dillibazar

Using all kinds of information technologies — TV, Internet et cetera at the same time can only divert a person. There is no advantage if the users are using everything at the same time. They cannot concentrate on any particular information and are unable to know about anything in deeper level. It’s just a misuse of source and waste of time.

— Chiranjibi Kandel, BBS IIIrd Year, Sagarmatha Multiple College, Dillibazar

It is always good to use anything within a limit. It depends on how a student uses the available information technologies. Everyone should avoid the misuse of the facilities. The misuse of information technologies can make a person dull and his/her social life gets destroyed — the person may be active virtually but in reality s/he becomes a loner.

— Radha Singh, BEd IIIrd Year, Madhyapaschim Multiple Campus, Surkhet Road

We must utilise the facilities we are getting but we must also understand that there should be a limit while using it. Information technologies are part of our life where they provide information, entertainment et cetera to the users. They have engaged us in various ways where one can research about things in the Internet, get connected to friends or family away from us.

— Hema Khanal, BA IIIrd Year, Koteshwor Multiple Campus, Koteshwor

I have a job and so I work in the day time. As I have limited time for refreshment, I use the Internet and television at same time. It is because I don’t want to miss the things on TV and Facebook as well. Doing so I get refreshed and entertained at the same time.

— Sharmila Khanal, BBS IIIrd Year, Balkumari College, Chitwan

I get curious about the status updates on Facebook. So, I get restless to see what’s on the Facebook even while I am studying which is disadvantageous for me. However, it has many positive aspects as well — I get to see my grandparents while talking to them who are far from me through the help of Internet. It has helped me to stay connected with my friends along with being useful to obtain all required information.

— Sapana Dhital, +2 graduate, Coloumbus College, New Baneshwor

Information technologies have given us things necessary for our life. Staying within the four walls of our house, we get to experience a lot with the help of information technology. Even the information required for students like exam results, examination schedule and solution for questions are easily accessible in the Internet.

— Sandeep Kumar Shah, BEd IIIrd Year, Juddha Campus, Gaur