Young people and the use of mobile phones

Abstract

This study focused on the importance attributed to the mobile phone by youth. The data for the study was gathered from three main sources: questionnaires, focus group discussions with young persons, and face-to face interviews with parents, youth leaders and teachers. The hypothesis to be tested was that most young persons consider the mobile phone as very important in their life. A series of resources, mainly Internet sites, were used to gather information for the literature review. A number of interesting points emerged through this study, the majority of which supported the hypothesis of the researcher. All sources of data confirmed that, nowadays, the mobile phone is no longer considered as a luxury; it has become a necessary commodity. This communication device has become a necessity in the life of young persons and it has been integrated in youth culture. It helps young persons organise better their social life. The study also revealed that peers, media and parents influence young persons to own a mobile phone, with peers being the most influential. Ownership of a mobile phone helps young persons feel that they belong to a group. Moreover, the mobile phone offers them security and it helps their parents to have some peace of mind when they are out of the home. The study also showed that sending messages is more popular than making calls. This is mainly because through SMS young persons are able to maintain continuous social contact at a relatively low price. While most of the young respondents claimed that they pay for their mobile expenses, others admitted that they are supported by their parents. In order to compensate for the limitations of this study, a number of recommendations for further work in this area has been included in the final chapter.