The Digital Senses: An Analysis of Internet Use’s Impact on Visual, Auditory, Olfactory, Gustatory, and Tactile Perceptions

The objective of the study was to examine the correlation between the duration of Internet usage and sensory perception. To this end, the research team developed the Impact of Internet Use on Five Senses (Visual, Auditory, Olfactory, Gustatory, and Tactile) Scale (VAOGTS), a tool designed to assess the relationship between Internet usage and sensory perception. The data were subjected to statistical analysis to ascertain the validity and reliability of the scale. The results demonstrated that the scale is reliable and valid, facilitating further research in this domain. The study revealed that Internet usage significantly impacted the visual and tactile senses, while headphone usage duration affected the auditory senses. Smoking and drinking behaviors facilitated by Internet use indirectly affect gustatory and olfactory senses. Additionally, the study found that watching mukbang or food videos may lead people to experience foods outside of their usual diet, which indirectly affects their sense of gustatory. Overall, this study offers valuable insights into the potential effects of Internet usage on sensory perception.