THE RELATIONSHIP BETWEEN INFORMATION TECHNOLOGIES AND SOCIAL VALUES

Аннотация

This study aims to examine the relationship between the level of use of information technologies by middle school students in general secondary education and their perceptions of social values. The research was conducted using a mixed method with an explanatory sequential design approach. In the quantitative phase, a correlational survey method was used, while in the qualitative phase, data were collected through open-ended questions. Quantitative data were gathered using the "Information Technology Usage" and "Perception of Social Values" scales. Qualitative data were collected via the "Student Opinions on Information Technologies and Social Values" form developed bythe researchers. Thestudy involved 30 middleschool students. The qualitative analysis revealed that although students use information technologies for obtaining information, conducting research, and entertainment, they tend to disregard social values during this process. Keywords:Information technologies, values, middleschool students. Introduction. Information is one of the most important assets that has been necessary to adapt to the changes taking place in all spheres of society and human life since ancient times. Although having information and sharing it with others has long been a valued phenomenon, the 21st century is noteworthy as a period when dramatic changes began in this regard. Because in this century, advances in science and technology began to have a rapid and profound impact on everyday life. This greatly expanded people's access to technology and technical means. As a result, information has become quickly and easily transmitted in an electronic environment through theInternet, computers, and mobilephones withcomputer functions [1]. The above developments ushered in the era called the "information age" and formed the concept of "information technology", which combines information and technology. Today, information technology, in general, includes equipment and services that facilitate the electronic receipt, processing, display and transmission of information . The widespread use of information and communication technologies has led to dramatic changes in all aspects of human activity. Of course, the education system has not been left out of this process of change. Technology plays an important role in the formation of a knowledge-generating generation in society, and the use of newtechnologies has become anecessity inthis process. Information technology is not only an indispensable tool for modern societies, but also provides many opportunities for people. The use of information technology allows students to work both in teams and independently. This helps to form a sense of community and develop social values. In addition, information technology develops students' higher-order thinkingskills, supports their learning process, and helps them takeresponsibilityfor theirown actions [2]. However, along with the positive aspects of information technology, there are also negative effects. The use of mobile technologies without proper guidance has a negative impact on the http://www.internationaljournal.co.in/index.php/jasass 289 Volume 15Issue 07, July 2025 Impact factor: 2019: 4.679 2020: 5.015 2021: 5.436, 2022: 5.242, 2023: 6.995, 2024 7.75 level of knowledge of students. It is noted that people spend too much time on computer technologies andspend mostof theirtimealone [3]. To reduce the negative impacts of information technologies, societies must preserve their cultural diversity. Because any society exists by transmitting its values to future generations. On this basis, it can be said that ensuring the intergenerational continuity of cultural values is importantin reducing thenegative impacts oftechnology. Theconcept ofvalueandinformation technology The concept of value is one of the topics studied in various fields such as philosophy, psychology, sociology, anthropology and even economics, and it is almost impossible to give a single general definition of values. In general, values can be interpreted as mental concepts that guide and influence human thinking and actions . Although values have been classified from different perspectives since the time of Plato, there is no single opinion in these classifications. For example, Plato divided values into two as moral and aesthetic values; Spranger divided values into six groups: “social”, “theoretical”, “economic”, “political”, “religious” and “aesthetic”; Rokeach divided values into two groups as goal values and means values; Schwartz analyzed values under 10groups in his Schwartz Value Inventory [4]. In the Uzbek education system, values are reflected in the curriculum through the term "core values." The role of the education system in instilling these values in students is carried out through educational programs. Values and values education are central to the curriculum, which was updated in the 2023–2024 academic year. These programs emphasize the following idea: “Our values