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GRADUATE OF COMMUNICATION TECHNOLOGY, LAGOS STATE UNIVERSITY, SCHOOL OF COMMUNICATION, LAGOS NIGERIA AN OUTSTANDING ACADEMIC SCHOLAR.
Citation preview
ADIGWE IFEANYI
LAGOS STATE UNIVERSITY, SCHOOL OF COMMUNICATION, NIGERIA
USES AND EFFECT OF GSM ON UNIVERSITY UNDERGRADUATES
ABSTRACT
For today’s traditional-age University Undergraduates information technology plays an integral role in their everyday lives. They actively use technology for school, work and recreation. As new technologies became available they readily adopt them as soon as they perceive that the benefits and costs are aligned. Yet, the extent of student adoption and perception of the value of these technologies is not readily known. Mobile phones have become a pervasive part of everyday life. The primary aim of pervasive computing is providing information to the users anywhere anytime and on any device. Today’s mobile phone networks provide global ubiquitous wireless environments, satisfying most requirements of the pervasive computing information service delivery. Mobile phones are increasingly one of the most popular information access devices. They have an extensive and continuing effect on how people communicate among themselves and how people conduct their day to day lives.
Nevertheless the most basic communication need – talking and exchanging information with other people – is most fundamental objective which students use mobile phone in an academic setting either to pass on information about academic work to one another. It could be argued, that in many societies, the mobile phone is often the only feasible means of communicating over distances, even if it has to be shared by several people in a household or village. The purpose of this study is to examine whether gender influence adoption and uses of GSM among undergraduates in Lagos and to investigate if gender derive gratifications from GSM use. Uses and Gratification theory was the theoretical bedrock for this study. This study concludes on the note that GSM could be said to be as interesting and very recent technology to higher education. As more university undergraduates adopt the GSM technology, they should seek to take advantages of the benefits of integrating the use of this technology into teaching and learning environments in the near future.
1
Chapter one
Introduction
Background to the study
The explosive growth of Global System for Mobile (GSM) Communication
services over the last two decades has changed mobile communications The
pace of change brought about by new technologies has had a significant
effect on the way people live, work, and play worldwide. New and emerging
technologies challenge the traditional process of communication and aided
increased access to IT in the home, at work, and in educational
establishments.
GSM is a digital wireless technology standard based on the notion that users
want to communicate wirelessly without limitations created by network or
national borders. In a short period of time, GSM has become a global
phenomenon. The explanation for its success is the cooperation and
coordination of technical and operational evolution that has created a
virtuous circle of growth built on three principles: interoperability based on
2
open platforms, roaming, and economies of scale (GSM Association, 2004a).
GSM standards are now adopted by more than 200 countries and territories.
It has become the main global standard for mobile communications; 80% of
all new mobile customers are on GSM networks. GSM has motivated wireless
adoption to the extent that mobile phones now globally outnumber fixed-line
telephones. In February 2004, more than 1 billion people, almost one in six
of the world’s population, were using GSM mobile phones.
Some developed European nations such as the United Kingdom, Norway,
Finland, and Spain have penetration levels of between 80 to 90% with other
European nations not far behind. However, there are some countries such as
Hong Kong and Italy that have a 100% penetration level. The importance of
the mobile telecommunication industry is now apparent
Technical developments, competition, and deregulation have contributed to
a strong growth in the adoption of mobile phones in the third world. In Africa,
recent research has shown that mobile telephony has been extremely
important in providing an African telecommunications infrastructure.
In the world of telecommunications, which involves the transmission of one
or more signals of voice, data (high-speed and low-speed), video, Internet
and fax over short and long distances, there exists three competing and
3
complementary technologies: wired (copper, coaxial-cable and fiber-optics),
wireless (fixed and mobile) and satellite
(Aluko,http://www.jidaw.com/itsolutions/telecom1.html). The world is fast
becoming a global village and a very important tool for this process is
communication of which telecommunication is a key player; the quantum
developments in the telecommunications industry all over the world is very
rapid as one innovation replaces another in a matter of weeks; a major
breakthrough is the wireless telephone which comes in either fixed wireless
telephone lines or the Global System of Mobile (GSM) communication;
communication is undoubtedly a major driver of any economy, emerging
trends in socio-economic growth shows a high premium being placed on
information and communication technology (ICT) by humans, organizations
and nations (NigeriaBusinessinfo.com, 2003).
The use of mobile phones for communication is growing in Africa, Nigeria in
particular. In Africa, mobile subscriber numbers have increased by over
1,000 per cent between 1998 and 2003 to reach 51.8 million; mobile user
numbers have long exceeded those of fixed wired line users which stood at
25.1 million at the end of 2003; mobile telephony has been critical in
boosting access to telecommunications in Africa and has substantially helped
lift telecommunications users; mobile penetration had reached 6.2 per cent 4
at the end of 2003, in contrast to 3 per cent for fixed line, the rise of mobile
phone usage has been driven by a combination of factors, such as demand,
sector reforms, the licensing of new competition and the emergence of major
strategic investors, such as Vodacom, MTN, Orascom and Celtel (Blake 2004
and Moholi 2005).
Though Africa has made tremendous progress in the last few years in
telecommunications especially in the Global System of Mobile
Communication, it should be pointed out as noted by Okoruwa (2004) that
Africa still lags far behind the more industrialized parts of the world in
telephone penetration and Internet access, but that as demonstrated by
GSM, huge opportunities exist for Africa to leap frog the gulf, piggy-backing
on the advances in cellular technology; where once it took years and
massive capital investment to lay cables across massive distances in order
to install telephone lines, telecommunications is now much simpler, easier,
and faster on account of wireless technology.
In 2001, the GSM was introduced into Nigeria. The Nigerian Communications
Commission (NCC) issued four wireless licenses to MTN Nigeria
Communication, Econet Wireless Nigeria Limited (now Vmobile),
Communications Investment Limited (CIL) and state-owned NITEL at the fee
5
that was determined by NCC. CIL, however, had its license withdrawn
because of inability to meet with the deadline for payment (Nigerian Tribune,
2003). The fourth GSM provider Glomobile (Globalcom) though won its
multiple license in September 2002 for the provision of telecommunications
services, did not commence provision of mobile phone services until August
2003. It should however be added that mobile phone services are also being
offered by 2 or 3 Wireless Local Loop (WLL) operators in Lagos State, but the
services appear strictly limited to the Lagos area; the government also
revalidated MTS mobile operating license recently, but the company now
appear to have lost frequency with which to operate analogue services (Oki
et al, http://www.geplaw.com/competepricemts.htm).
By 2002, mobile subscribers in Nigeria stood at 1.5 million (Nigerian Tribune,
2003) but by the end of 2003, MTN alone had 1,650,000 active subscribers
on its network, Econet Nigeria (Vmobile) had subscriber base of over one
million, new entrants Globalcom and M-Tel (owned by NITEL - Nigerian
Telecommunications Limited) have not less than one million subscribers (The
Guardian, 2004). This shows that there is rapid growth in mobile phone
subscription and usage in the country. The pervasive growth of GSM in
Nigeria is a bold pointer to how much it impacts on life itself; the growth in
telephone penetration in Nigeria and the future potential for even more 6
growth and pervasiveness tends to shift the paradigm of thought and
maximize the fears of what was once morbidly referred to as the digital
divide (Okoruwa, 2004).
Watt (2003) reports that a group of researchers in UK has spent some time
investigating how people use mobile phones; it appears that people use
mobile phones to decide when and how to communicate with people;
children use them to ask each other for advice whilst older women use them
to keep track of their husbands; students enjoy sending text messages to
each other and young women find them a comfort while walking home late
at night; the mobile phone is the single most important device to let people
control their relationship with others and to self author their image and lives.
Though increasing portion of the Nigerian population is making use of mobile
phones in the past three years, no attempt has been made so far to
investigate pattern of mobile phone usage in Nigeria.
Global System for Mobile Communication (GSM)
Definition and Overview
Global system for mobile communication (GSM) is a globally accepted
standard for digital cellular communication. GSM is the name of a
7
standardization group established in 1982 to create a common European
mobile telephone standard that would formulate specifications for a pan-
European mobile cellular radio system operating at 900 MHz. It is estimated
that many countries outside of Europe will join the GSM partnership. During
the early 1980s, analog cellular telephone systems were experiencing rapid
growth in Europe, particularly in Scandinavia and the United Kingdom, but
also in France and Germany. Each country developed its own system, which
was incompatible with everyone else's in equipment and operation. This was
an undesirable situation, because not only was the mobile equipment limited
to operation within national boundaries, which in a unified Europe were
increasingly unimportant, but there was also a very limited market for each
type of equipment, so economies of scale and the subsequent savings could
not be realized.
The Europeans realized this early on, and in 1982 the Conference of
European Posts and Telegraphs (CEPT) formed a study group called the
Groupe Spécial Mobile (GSM) to study and develop a pan-European public
land mobile system. The proposed system had to meet certain criteria:
* Good subjective speech quality
* Low terminal and service cost
8
* Support for international roaming
* Ability to support handheld terminals
* Support for range of new services and facilities
* Spectral efficiency
* ISDN compatibility
In 1989, GSM responsibility was transferred to the European
Telecommunication Standards Institute (ETSI), and phase I of the GSM
specifications were published in 1990. Commercial service was started in
mid-1991, and by 1993 there were 36 GSM networks in 22 countries.
Although standardized in Europe, GSM is not only a European standard. Over
200 GSM networks (including DCS1800 and PCS1900) are operational in 110
countries around the world. In the beginning of 1994, there were 1.3 million
subscribers worldwide, which had grown to more than 55 million by October
1997. With North America making a delayed entry into the GSM field with a
derivative of GSM called PCS1900, GSM systems exist on every continent,
and the acronym GSM now aptly stands for Global System for Mobile
communications. (http://www.gsmworld.com/membership/mem_stats.html)
9
The developers of GSM chose an unproven (at the time) digital system, as
opposed to the then-standard analog cellular systems like AMPS in the
United States and TACS in the United Kingdom. They had faith that
advancements in compression algorithms and digital signal processors would
allow the fulfillment of the original criteria and the continual improvement of
the system in terms of quality and cost.
GSM was an all-digital system that started new from the beginning. It did not
have to accommodate older analog mobile telephones or their limitations.
American digital cellular, first called IS-54 and then IS-136, still accepts the
earliest analog phones. American cellular networks evolved slowly, dragging
a legacy of underperforming equipment with it. Advanced fraud prevention,
for example, was designed in later for AMPS, whereas GSM had such
measures built in from the start. GSM was a revolutionary system because it
was fully digital from the beginning.
Services provided by GSM
From the beginning, the planners of GSM wanted Integrated Switch Digital
Network (ISDN) compatibility in terms of the services offered and the control
signaling used. However, radio transmission limitations, in terms of
10
bandwidth and cost, do not allow the standard ISDN B-channel bit rate of 64
kbps to be practically achieved.
What many wireless customers need most is a high speed data connection
and this is what GSM provides least. Only 9.6kbs if everything works right. It
is possible the GSM designers in the early 1980s never envisioned the need
for such bandwidth. It may be true, too, that in most countries the radio
spectrum needed to give every caller a 64kbs channel was never available.
They add on technology EDGE (external link) promises higher data speed
rates in the near to mid-term for GSM. Highest data rates will come in the
long term when GSM changes into a radio service based on wide band Code
Division Multiple Access (CDMA), and not Time Division Multiple Access
(TDMA).
Using the ITU-T definitions (external link), telecommunication services can be
divided into bearer services, teleservices, and supplementary services. The
most basic teleservice supported by GSM is telephony. As with all other
communications, speech is digitally encoded and transmitted through the
GSM network as a digital stream. There is also an emergency service, where
the nearest emergency-service provider is notified by dialing three digits
(similar to 911).
11
* Bearer services: Typically data transmission instead of voice. Fax and SMS
are examples.
* Teleservices: Voice oriented traffic.
* Supplementary services: Call forwarding, caller ID, call waiting and the like.
A variety of data services is offered. GSM users can send and receive data, at
rates up to 9600 bps, to users on POTS (Plain Old Telephone Service), ISDN,
Packet Switched Public Data Networks, and Circuit Switched Public Data
Networks using a variety of access methods and protocols, such as X.25 or
X.32. Since GSM is a digital network, a modem is not required between the
user and GSM network, although an audio modem is required inside the GSM
network to interwork with POTS.
GSM is an all-digital network but many machines are still analog, as is most
of the local loop. Thus, we need a modem, even though we are dealing with
digital
A unique feature of GSM, not found in older analog systems, is the Short
Message Service (SMS). SMS is a bidirectional service for short alphanumeric
(up to 160 bytes) messages. Messages are transported in a store-and-
forward fashion. For point-to-point SMS, a message can be sent to another
12
subscriber to the service, and an acknowledgement of receipt is provided to
the sender. ( http://www.iec.org/online/tutorials/wire_sms/)
Evolution Of GSM Networks
Mobile communications can be divided into three distinct eras identified by
an increase in functionality and bandwidth. These eras relate to the
implementation of technological advancements in the field. The industry is
currently on the verge of implementing the third technological era and at the
beginning of defining the next step for the fourth era.
First-Generation Networks
The first-generation (1G) cellular systems were the simplest communication
networks deployed in the 1980s. The first-generation networks were based
on analogue-frequency-modulation transmission technology. Challenges
faced by the operators included inconsistency, frequent loss of signals, and
low bandwidth. The 1G network was also expensive to run due to a limited
customer base.
Second-Generation Networks
The second-generation (2G) cellular systems were the first to apply digital
transmission technologies for voice and data communication. The data
13
transfer rate was in the region of 10s of Kbps. Other examples of
technologies in 2G systems include frequency-division multiple access
(FDMA), time-division multiple access (TDMA), and code-division multiple
access.
The second-generation networks deliver high-quality and secure mobile
voice, and basic data services such as fax and text messaging along with full
roaming capabilities across the world.
To address the poor data transmission rates of the 2G network,
developments were made to upgrade 2G networks without replacing the
networks. These technological enhancements were called 2.5G technologies
and include networks such as General Packet Radio Service (GPRS). GPRS-
enabled networks deliver features such as always-on, higher capacity,
Internet-based content and packet-based data services enabling services
such as colour Internet browsing, e-mail on the move, visual
communications, multimedia messages, and location-based services.
Another complementary 2.5G service is Enhanced Data Rates for GSM
Evolution (EDGE). This network upgrade offers similar capabilities as those of
the GPRS network. Another 2.5G network enhancement of data services is
high-speed circuit-switched data (HSCSD). This allows access to non-voice
14
services 3 times faster than conventional networks, which means subscribers
are able to send and receive data from their portable computers at speeds of
up to 28.8 Kbps; this is currently being upgraded in many networks to 43.2
Kbps. The HSCSD solution enables higher rates by using multiple channels,
allowing subscribers to enjoy faster rates for their Internet, e-mail, calendar,
and file-transfer services. HSCSD is now available to more than 100 million
customers across 27 countries around the world in Europe, Asia Pacific,
South Africa, and Israel (GSM, 2002)
Current Trend: Third-Generation Networks
The most promising period is the advent of third-generation (3G) networks.
These networks are also referred to as the universal mobile
telecommunications systems (UMTSs). The global standardization effort
undertaken by the ITU is called IMT-2000. The aim of the group was to evolve
today’s circuit-switched core network to support new spectrum allocations
and higher bandwidth capability. Over 85% of the world’s network operators
have chosen 3G as the underlying technology platform to deliver their third-
generation services (GSM, 2004).
The implementation of the third generation of mobile systems has
experienced delays in the launch of services. There are various reasons for
15
the delayed launch, ranging from device limitations, application-and
network-related technical problems, and lack of demand. A significant factor
in the delayed launch that is frequently discussed in the telecommunication
literature (Klemperer, 2002) is the extortionate fees paid for the 3G-
spectrum license in Europe during the auction process. Most technical
problems along with device shortage have been overcome, but there are still
financial challenges to be addressed caused by the high start-up costs and
the lack of a subscriber base due to the market saturation in many of the
countries launching 3G.
Future Trends: Fourth-Generation Mobile Networks
The fourth-generation (4G) systems are expected around 2010 to 2015. They
will be capable of combining mobility with multimedia-rich content, high bit
rates, and Internet-protocol (IP) transport.
The benefits of the fourth-generation approach are described by Inforcom
Research (2002) and Qiu et al. (2002) as voice-data integration, support for
mobile and fixed networking, and enhanced services through the use of
simple networks with intelligent terminal devices. The fourth-generation
networks are expected to offer a flexible method of payment for network
16
connectivity that will support a large number of network operators in a highly
competitive environment.
Over the last decade, the Internet has been dominated by non-real-time,
person-to-machine communications. According to a UMTS report (2002), the
current developments in progress will incorporate real-time, person-to-
person communications, including high-quality voice and video
telecommunications along with the extensive use of machine-to-machine
interactions to simplify and enhance the user experience.
Currently, the Internet is used solely to interconnect computer networks; IP
compatibility is being added to many types of devices such as set-top boxes,
automotive systems, and home electronics. The large-scale deployment of
IP-based networks will reduce the acquisition costs of the associated devices.
The future vision is to integrate mobile voice communications and Internet
technologies, bringing the control and multiplicity of Internet-applications
services to mobile users.
Statement of the problem
For today’s traditional-age undergraduates information technology plays an
integral role in their everyday lives. They actively use technology for school,
17
work and recreation. As new technologies became available they readily
adopt them as soon as they perceive that the benefits and costs are aligned.
Yet, the extent of student adoption and perception of the value of these
technologies is not readily known. Mobile phones have become a pervasive
part of everyday life. People have mobile phones, smart phones or PDAs with
them nearly always and anywhere. The primary aim of pervasive computing
is providing information to the users anywhere anytime and on any device.
Due to the proliferation of smart phones and PDAs and since they provide
end to end communication in mobile networks, smart phones serve as
important pervasive devices in ubiquitous environments. Today’s mobile
phone networks provide global ubiquitous wireless environments, satisfying
most requirements of the pervasive computing information service delivery.
Mobile phones are increasingly one of the most popular information access
devices. They have an extensive and continuing effect on how people
communicate among themselves and how people conduct their day to day
lives.
Nevertheless the most basic communication need – talking and exchanging
information with other people – is most fundamental objective which
students use mobile phone in an academic setting either to pass on
information about academic work to one another. It could be argued, that in 18
many societies, the mobile phone is often the only feasible means of
communicating over distances, even if it has to be shared by several people
in a household or village.
This study sets out to investigate the effect of GSM on undergraduates in
respect to it usage and adoption.
Purpose Of The Study
The purpose of this study is to investigate the uses of GSM among
undergraduates in Lagos, this study also, shall identify the effect of GSM on
undergraduates, and the following are the purpose of this study:
1. To ascertain whether gender influence adoption and uses of GSM
among undergraduates in Lagos?
2. To investigate if gender derive gratifications from GSM use?
3. To find out the impact of GSM amongst University Undergraduates in
Lagos?
19
Research Questions
1. To what extent do gender influence the adoption and uses of GSM
among undergraduates in Lagos?
2. To what extent do gender derive gratifications from GSM use?
3. What is the impact of GSM amongst University Undergraduates in
Lagos?
Scope Of Study
This study will focus mainly on undergraduates in Lagos: Undergraduates in
Lagos State University and University of Lagos.
Significance Of The Study
The goal of this study is to provide a clearer picture of the impact of GSM as
a tool for learning for undergraduates lives as it is not only part of the central
role in the educational and social experiences of undergraduates but serve
as a popular source of information as well as communication tool for
communicating and networking of friends. At the same time, there is growing
controversy about the effect of GSM phones on undergraduates, which is
more of an emblem to hasten sexual gratification among undergraduates.
20
Be that as it may, this study is a pivot for further studies on the uses and
effects of GSM on undergraduates.
Stakeholders will also benefit from this study as it will broaden their horizon
on the importance of GSM, uses, functions and features. This study will also
create an atmosphere on the social network link brought about by GSM
phones.
Limitation Of The Study
This research is subjected to a number of known limitations. One of the
limitations is timing and money as this study employs only 160 respondents
as its sample size. A larger sample size would have been preferred because
it will help reduce sampling error. Another known limitation was that it
focused only on university students in Lagos there by denying students of
other institutions in Lagos the right to participate in the study.
21
Chapter two
Literature review
Conceptual framework
Mobile phones started as voice communication tools; however, they rapidly
become devices for text and image exchange, and recent models include
built in cameras (Oliver & Goerke, 2007). The more sophisticated phones
(sometimes known as smart phones) (Attewell, 2005) combine telephone
capability with a PDA, camera, video, mass storage, MP3 player, Internet
access, and networking features in one compact system (Corbeil & Valdes-
22
Corbeil, 2007). In addition to email, these devices offer instant messaging
(Reardon, 2007). Examples of smart phones include iPhone, Sony Ericsson
P800/P900, and HP iPAQ hw6915.
Can we say then that for today’s traditional-age undergraduates information
technology plays an integral role in their everyday lives? As new
technologies became available they readily adopt them as soon as they
perceive that the benefits and costs are aligned. But, the degree of student
adoption and perception of the value of these technologies is not readily
known. Be that as it may, Mobile phones have become a pervasive part of
everyday life. People have mobile phones, smart phones or PDAs with them
nearly always and anywhere. The focus of pervasive computing is providing
information to the users anywhere anytime and on any device. Due to the
proliferation of smart phones and PDAs and since they provide end to end
communication in mobile networks, smart phones serve as important
pervasive devices in ubiquitous environments. Today’s mobile phone
networks provide global ubiquitous wireless environments, satisfying most
requirements of the pervasive computing information service delivery.
Mobile phones are increasingly one of the most popular information access
devices used by undergraduates.
23
The speed and magnitude of mobile phone adoption is a recent worldwide
phenomenon akin to that of the television in the middle 20th century and the
Internet in the late 20th century (Katz and Aakhus, 2002). Prior to 1990, the
mobile phone was a rare and expensive technology with an adoption level
too low for the charts to even register. During the 1990s mobile phone
adoption exploded, and subscriptions reached a half billion around the globe
(International Telecommunication Union, 2002). By the end of 2003 mobile
phone subscriptions reached 1.3 billion worldwide. In fact, those who do not
use a mobile phone are now in the minority in many countries (International
Telecommunication Union, 2004). Although the explosive growth of this
technology is remarkable and the social implications are myriad, the amount
of social science research in this area is relatively small when compared to
other pervasive communication technologies, such as the Internet (Rice and
Katz, 2003).
The global impact of its adoption and use and the international composition
of researchers in this area have drawn attention to trends in the ways people
think about and use mobile telephony in various setting. Despite the great
variations in cultures – from teen dating to family arrangements and from
economic based to social hierarchies – the use and folk understanding of the
mobile phone seem to be pressing toward conformity and uniformity’ (2002: 24
313-14). While there are some interesting differences and distinctive
characteristics that influence the adoption and use of this growing
technology by undergraduates, Mobile phone usage involves the mobile
phone, the mobile telecommunications system, the mobile phone users, the
adoption and use of the system [Pedersen, 2003].
Mobile phone users are influenced by demographic, social, cultural,
psychological and contextual factors, which complicate the understanding of
mobile phone use [Kwon and Chidambaram, 2000]. These factors interact
with mobile phone and service design to influence the adoption and use of
the mobile phone products [Buchanan et al., 2001].
Theoretical framework
Uses and gratification theory
Motivations to use GSM technology can be explained by the uses and
gratification theory. This theory purports that the consumer is actively
involved in the decision to determine their media use and is motivated by
the need to fulfill certain needs (Peters et al., 2007). Furthermore, these
consumers select the media contents that they wish to be exposed to (Katz,
1959). Based on the studies conducted by Katz et al. (1973), the use of mass
25
media is goal oriented, and the consumer seeks to link the need gratification
with their choice of media. The consumer's use of the media also competes
with other sources of need satisfaction, and gratifications from media use
usually encompass diversion, entertainment, and information. In addition,
McQuail (2000) emphasized that escapism is a common motivation for users
of mass media. The consumer also seeks to satisfy the need to express
personal identity and to build relationships (McQuail et al., 1972) through the
use of media. Furthermore, social influences as well and psychological states
of consumers also impact on the decision. As media use is considered a
natural composition of the environment, its use is therefore a part of the
consumer's social action and routine. As such, consumers would interpret
SMS messages by incorporating it as part of their daily routine (O'Donohoe,
1994).
Various studies have identified a number of gratification seeking motives
from television usage (Lull, 1980), telephone usage (Leung and Wei, 2000),
and more recently internet usage (Maignan and Lukas, 1997). However, the
nature of GSM technology is dissimilar to other media; it is ubiquitous, text
based, and personal in nature.
EMPIRICAL STUDIES
26
Mobile phones are one of the most common information access devices with
almost 31% of the global population having access. Mobile phone
technologies are now in the hands of almost 31% or 2 billion people
(Motorola, 2006) of the 6.47 billion people on this planet (“Population
Reference Bureau Statistics”, 2006). The penetration of these technologies is
increasing very rapidly with around 779 million (“Gartner Press Release”,
2005) mobile phones sold every year and expected to reach over 1 billion
units per year sold by 2009. These staggering numbers are indicator of the
growth and reach of mobile phones.
Mobile phones may be categorized as common communication medium for
almost 31% of the global population uses them (Motorola, 2006). Townsend
(2002) mentions that the diffusion of the mobile phone was among the
fastest of any technology in history. Such a rapidly evolving and wide spread
communication technology and medium has important social contexts and
implications.
Aoki and Downes (2004) noted that mobile phone usage in social contexts
has been a less studied area when compared to the research on the
engineering and policy aspects of mobile technologies. McGuigan (2005)
pointed out that it is quite difficult to find critical research which looks into
27
the cultural value and social purpose of mobile phones. Only recently,
research has been published on how people use mobile phones in their daily
life. However, a majority of these studies have focused on studying
populations within a relatively homogeneous culture. Weilenmann & Larsson
(2001) conducted field studies of public use of mobile phones among
teenagers. Their study shed light on how the mobile phone has come to be
used as a tool for local social interaction, rather than merely as a device for
communication with dislocated others. Their observations pointed towards
the collaborative nature of mobile phone use. The researchers examined how
phones were shared and how their field data could be of use when designing
new mobile technology and services for the youth.
Similarly, Katz (1997) explored the possible effects of wireless
communication on people’s lives. He identified several levels of effects of
such a technology. The ʹfirst‐order effectsʹ are direct effects that are
immediately perceived by users, they include uncertainty reduction, personal
security, and personal efficiency. The ʹsecond‐order effectsʹ are indirect
effects which represent the experiences or feelings that people have or may
observe in others, they include tighter coupling of domestic production,
information immediacy, and contactability. The ʹthird‐order effectsʹ are the
28
least direct effects that are observed not by users of the technology but by
outside observers who study the effects of the technology on the society in
general, they include social interaction, social control, and innovative uses or
unanticipated usage.
Mobile phones are redefining and blurring the line between public and
private spaces. Cooper (2002) mentioned that people in public space may be
unexpectedly exposed to one side of a two‐party private interaction, which
can be frustrating with speculations about the missing side of the interaction.
Fortunati (2002) noted that mobile phones favoured the progressive
encroachment of intimacy in the public sphere. In the way, Palen, Salzman
and Youngs (2000) looked into this issue and the perception of mobile phone
usage in the public. They studied the behavior of new mobile users over a
period of six weeks after acquisition of phones. Using interviews and voice‐mail, their study noted that patterns of mobile phone usage varied over time
and there was significant deviation between the user‐predicted usage to
their actual usage. The researchers also studied how the perception of
mobile phone usage in public contexts varied over the duration of the study.
Initially, the perception was overwhelmingly negative. However, they noted
that new users over a period of time became more accepting of the use of
29
mobile phones in public places. Their study found people initially adopted
cell phones for safety/security and business or job‐related reasons instead of
social reasons. However, nearly all subjects in their study reported the use of
their cell phones for social interactions had grown over a period of tie.
These interactions may not even be the traditional voice based interaction.
Puro (2002) noted that Finland has one of highest mobile phone densities in
the world, reaching over 90% of the people under 30 years of age. Taylor
and Harper (2001) noted that young people use text messaging on mobile
phones as forms of gifts to cement social relationships.
Aoki and Downes (2004) focused on the behavioral and psychological
aspects of cell phone usage among college students. They tried to find the
reasons behind why a technology is adopted in a particular way. They
identified several attitudinal factors based on the exploratory study
including, necessity in modern times, cost efficiency when compared to
landline phone, safety or security, and dependency. The study also
endeavored to look at the motivational and behavioral characteristics of
mobile phone usage. The researchers tried to combine their results and the
result of previous research to find the trends in usage by the youth, “why
college students in the US use the cell phone, what they think of the
30
technology, and how they use it” (p. 352). The motivational themes
identified by the study include personal safety, financial incentive,
information access, social interaction, parental contacts, time
management/coordination, dependency, image, and privacy management.
Aoki and Downes (2002) enumerate the groups as the cost‐conscious group,
safety/security conscious, dependent, sophisticated, and practical users. The
cost‐conscious users believe that a mobile phone helps them save money.
The safety/security conscious users are cognizant of their own security and
having a cell phone gives them a feeling of security. The dependent user is a
person who is reliant on his/her phone and feels disconnected to the world
without one. The sophisticated users have had their phones for the longest
time and feel it is absolutely a necessity for functioning in the world. The
practical user believes a mobile phone gives cost saving, safety benefits, and
time efficiency.
The global nature of mobile technologies makes the cross‐cultural study of
the behavioral characteristics of mobile phone usage a topic of current
interest. Venkatesh (1995) noted that consumer behaviours are primarily
socio‐cultural phenomena that must, therefore, be discussed in socio‐cultural
terms. He emphasized cross‐cultural studies should include at least two
31
different cultures as part of the same field study, although it is possible to
conduct a comparative study using a single cultural setting and make
comparisons with other culture using textual information rather than field
data. He also explained that cross‐cultural studies may incorporate cross‐national comparisons which studies variables that are objective measures
that need no cross‐cultural translation.
Studies in the realm of mobile phone technologies are only recently starting
to appear. Issac, Nickerson, and Tarasewich (2004) studied cell phone usage
in social settings in two developed countries – United States and France.
Their research focused on the cell phones used in social settings, the
perception of the acceptable use of mobile phones in social settings. They
studied whether the use and attitudes related to the use of cell phones vary
by country. Their survey indicated significant differences between users in
United States and
France when it came to using phones in public streets or while driving an
automobile. French users had a significantly negative view of using mobile
phones while driving, this may be attributed to the fact that it is illegal in
France to drive and talk on a phone simultaneously. Variances were also
observed in the use of and attitudes toward the use of mobile phones for
32
both voice calls and text messaging. French users were more likely to use
text messaging in all the scenarios studied except while driving. The
researchers explained that, some of the differences may be attributed to
cultural and legal differences between these countries, other factors such as
age or the length of time that someone has used a cell phone may be
important.
Carlson, Kahn, and Rowe (1999) studied the organizational behavior aspect
by observing the impact of mobile phones on decision making in sales forces
within organizations in United States and France. They compared the
differences in sales force behavior. Correlations were conducted to
determine whether the country, length of time the technology has been
used, or their interactions were the major effect. Their study showed that
new technology adoption was responsible for a shortening of decision
making time in both countries. On the other hand, differences in
standardization, formalization and decision making time were identified. The
results of the study indicated that cultural differences between countries
accounted for most of the differences.
Hofvenschiold (2003) studied the effect of cultural background and
occupational status on the way people interact and perceive technology. She
33
surveyed university students and young professionals from Germany and the
United Kingdom to study the attitude to and use of cell phones. Differences
in attitudes were measurable when emotional and motivational aspects of
mobile phone use were explored.
Castells, Mireia, Qiu, and Sey (2004) produced a detailed compilation of
existing research evidence of the social aspects of wireless communication
technologies including mobile phones. They indicated cultural differences in
communication style preferences had an impact on the adoption rates of
wireless technologies. The researchers intended to elicit general patterns for
the social differentiation of wireless diffusion in different societies of Europe,
America, and the Asia Pacific regions. They cite numerous studies indicating
that text messaging is more prevalent among the youth across countries.
Other findings include the high incidence of phone‐borrowing in parts of
Europe; impact on trip planning in travelers and mobile workers; popularity
of mobile Internet in Japan; mobile phone as extension of personal identity in
Japan; and usage of phones for communication and as status symbols by
migrant workers in China. Castells, Mireia, Qiu, and Sey (2004) extensively
looked into the rise of the mobile youth in a cross‐cultural perspective. Their
stated hypothesis was that “there is a youth culture that finds in mobile
34
communication an adequate form of expression and reinforcement.” They
indicate that much of the research into this youth culture has focused on
Europe. The researchers cite evidence for the emergence of collective
identity resulting from peer‐grouping based on networked sociability. They
examine evidence in the United States where owning a mobile phone for a
teenager has become a rite of passage. This compilation brings up a wide
variety of unique culture attributes for each of the countries or regions
studied. However, there is little by the way of direct cross‐cultural
comparison for specific demographic segments.
USES OF MOBILE PHONES
Multimedia access tools
This refers to employing the mobile phones as tools for accessing Multimedia
resources such as e-books, databases, web pages, PowerPoint presentations,
audio files and video clips (Churchill & Churchill, 2007). For example,
students in Maniar’s (2007) study watched an educational five minute video
clip on how to measure blood pressure on a Nokia 6600 mobile phone, a
Motorola E1000 phone, or a Compaq iPAQ H3800 PDA.
Communication tools
35
This refers to employing the mobile phones to communicate information
from one person to others (Churchill & Churchill, 2007). Such communication
may be established synchronously and asynchronously over mobile
telephony or email. An example of such usage can be found in Seppälä and
Alamäki’s (2003) study in which student teachers and their supervisors used
a Nokia Communicator 9210 to communicate with one another (e.g., using
short message service, SMS) during a teaching practicum.
Capture tools
This refers to utilizing the devices to capture various data and media
(Churchill & Churchill, 2007; Cochrane, 2008) such as video, still pictures,
audio (e.g. interviews), Students (e.g. pre-service teachers) might also use
the inbuilt cameras available in mobile phones to capture digital pictures of
their classrooms or lessons (Seppälä & Alamäki, 2003), use mobile phones as
a video recording device to capture episodes of their lessons (Ferry, 2008),
or record audio narrations using iPods with attached microphones (Olney,
Herrington, & Verenikina, 2008).
Analytical tools
36
This refers to employing the devices to manipulate certain data or variables
such as graphic calculators (Churchill & Churchill, 2007). An example of this
could be found in Hennessy (2000), where 48 students aged 13-14 years
used graphing facilities to plot temperature data which they had earlier
captured using thermometers.
Assessment tools
This refers to the employment of handhelds for students to answer
examination questions, tests, or quizzes. For example, Ganger and Jackson
(2003) implemented the use of PDA based medical school exams in a
wireless environment and reported the results of a student satisfaction
survey of using such a tool. In another example, Fujimura and Doi (2006)
implemented the use of mobile phones with Internet capability to assess
students’ degree of comprehension of course content.
Task management tools
This refers to utilizing the devices as personal information managers which
store and organise a user’s address book, contact information, calendar, task
lists (i.e. 'to-do-list'), Corlett, Sharples, Bull & Chan, 2005)
37
We cannot dispute the fact competence in communication ability is central to
all issues relating to Interpersonal relationship. Relationship being an
interpersonal process cannot be conceptualized as being fixed (Duck 1982).
For this reason, relationships are always in a state of flux, continually going
through stages of change and maintenance, growth and retreat (Aronson et
al. 1998). This process is developed through communication; hence as
individuals define and redefine their relationships, they share their
understanding of the relationship with their partners.
It is a fact that computers and mobile telephones have revolutionized
communication and by extension interpersonal relationship hence
influencing
intimacy and the closeness that exist between people. It is also understood
(Smith & Mackie 1995) that interaction helps people master the world, and
find connectedness, while at the same time leading to simple familiarity
which in turn increases liking. Interesting studies have been conducted
where communication enhancing technological devices have been
considered as major research variables.
Mobile phone usage by undergraduates
38
Research in mobile communication is beginning to attract the attention of
scholars from around the globe. We cannot neglect the role of mobile
telephony in social networks. Taylor and Harper (2001) found that distinctive
uses of text messaging among undergraduates in England demonstrated
participation in social groups, defined social network boundaries, and
fostered a sense of community. In short, mobile phones were cultural
artifacts, “seen as instruments through which elements of self and
personhood within family and peer groups were demonstrated” (Taylor &
Harper, 2001, p. 3).
Johnsen (2003) reported similar results in a study of mobile phone use by
teens in Norway. Johnsen found mobile messages, particularly text
messages, which on the surface appeared to contain meaningless
communication, actually established and nurtured connections among
partners in social networks. Licoppe (2003) identified a similar practice
consisting of “short, frequent calls, the content of which is often secondary
to the act of calling” (p. 172). In both of these cases, social relations among
close friends and family members were maintained through mobile
communication. Often a call or text message is more a gesture than an
attempt to converse about anything in particular, but these gestures serve
39
the important purpose of reassuring links among members of social
networks.
Plant (2001) reported a “tacit adherence to a shared set of values, practices
and rules” within groups of friends and associates who used mobile phones
(p. 32). Members of some groups used their mobile phones unobtrusively by
turning away or leaving the area when they received a call, whereas
members of other groups integrated their mobile phones into the processes
of group interaction. These group norms influenced how members used their
mobile phones, and tensions arose when expectations were violated.
Smoreda and Thomas (2001) reported a significant relationship between
social network characteristics and the use of communication media in a
study of nine European countries. Members of spatially bound, long-lasting
social networks relied more on face-to-face visits and landline phone calls
than email, mobile phone calls, or short messaging services (SMS). Networks
that did use those mobile communication devices were comprised more of
friends than family members. These findings show that social network
characteristics may be related to the adoption and use of communication
technologies to support relationships.
40
In addition, there are some who use mobile phones purely as a tool to
enhance mobility, others perceive these devices as much more than
mechanical and electronic parts. In fact, some mobile phone users consider
their handsets as extensions of their physical selves (Gant & Kiesler, 2001).
Ling (1996) explained this point when he noted that the medium is “almost
by definition, individual and not attached to a physical location” (p. 10). As a
result many users perceive their handsets as a means of personal display.
Studies show that mobile phone users, especially adolescents, often use
handsets as fashion accessories (Alexander, 2000; ), and that mobile phones
can symbolize social status among some users ( Taylor & Harper, 2001).
Research indicates that level of comfort with mobile telephony also has an
effect on how people perceive and use the technology. In a study of the
experience of new users, Palen and Salzman (2001) identified hardware,
software, network services, and service agreements as factors affecting
comfort with mobile telephony.
Another important influence on perceptions and uses of mobile phones is
purpose for use. Ling and Yttri (2002) found that subjects in Norway primarily
used their mobile phones for three purposes: safety/security, micro-
coordination, and hyper-coordination. Safety/security refers to the use of a
41
mobile phone for emergencies. Micro-coordination refers to the instrumental
use of the mobile phone for logistical purposes, such as determining the
place and time for a meeting. Hyper-coordination entails the use of the
mobile phone as a means of self-presentation and personal expression, such
as romance, chatting, and sharing jokes with friends. Even the physical
appearance of the phone itself is considered to be a form of expression
among those who use it for hyper-coordination.
Mobile communication researchers have also explored the ways people
negotiate social boundaries when their phone rings in social situations. Plant
(2001) submits that people generally have one of three responses when their
mobile phone rings in social situations: flight, suspension, or persistence.
Flight refers to removal from the social situation in order to take a phone
call. When one responds with suspension, one remains in place, but removed
from the social engagement in order to take the phone call. Persistence
refers to a user taking a mobile phone call while staying engaged socially
with what they were doing before the phone rang.
A popular part of mobile technology is the use of short message service
(SMS). SMS, widely used around the world (Leung, 2007), is a “store –and-
forward communication system for the mobile phone” (Bamba and Barnes,
42
2007, p. 815). SMS is a form of Instant Messaging system and allows users to
send alphanumeric messages of up to 160 characters to any GSM phone
(Leung, 2007). International Data Corporation stated that SMS is the most
popular mobile data application and with a recorded 65 percent of mobile
phone users sending text messages daily ( Forbes, 2006). Another study by
GSM Association found that mobile phone users send more than 10 billion
SMS each month, making this the most widely used mobile data service
(Dickinger et al., 2004; Bamba and Barnes, 2007) and a major contributor to
the mobile telecommunications industry.
The use of SMS as a communication tool is most prevalent in the young
consumer segment ( Leung, 2007). For example, DeBaillon and Rockwell
(2005) found that mobile phones have replaced landline telephones for daily
use for these young consumers. Mobile phones are necessities in the young
consumers' lifestyles, not only as a form of fashion statement but a portal to
keep a “presence” and connection to peer networks (Grant and O'Donohoe,
2007; ). The mobile telecommunications technology has made consumer's
life more “mobile” and the most significant benefit is the accessibility and
freedom for people to remain in contact, while on the move (Sultan and
Rohm, 2005).
43
It is found that the use of SMS is particularly attractive to young consumers
falling within the age group of 15-24 (Barnes, 2002). Furthermore, Jupiter
Research found that 18- to 34-year olds are more interested in participating
in sweepstakes, game shows, and TV promotions than adults over 35 years
old (Rodgers, 2003).
44
CHAPTER THREE
RESEARCH METHODOLOGY
3.1 Introduction
This chapter focuses on the research method, design, population sample,
Area of study, sampling techniques, Instrument for data collection, sources
of data, data collection procedure, validity of the instrument, Reliability of
the instrument method of data analysis. The research method of this study is
survey. The survey method according to Osuala in Tejumaye (2003) focuses
on people, the vital facts of people, their beliefs, opinions attitudes,
motivation and behaviour.
Backstorm and Hursh reaffirmed Osuala’s assertion in Tejumaye(2003),
when they observed that the survey method enables the researcher to make
generalizations about the behaviour of a great body of people requiring
measurements along broad spectrum of opinions, attitudes, feelings, beliefs,
ideas, information and understanding. Wimmer and Dominick in Tejumaye
(2003) indicated that the descriptive survey method attempts to picture or
45
document current conditions or attitudes-i.e to describe what exists at the
moment. This method is adopted, employing the questionnaire because of
this quality, which makes it most relevant and most appropriate for
conducting a study that involve asking some questions from a large
respondent
3.2 Research Design
The survey method was adopted by the researcher to investigate: the uses
and effects of GSM on university students in Lagos. Survey research focus on
people, their beliefs uncovering data, motivation and behaviour. Survey do
more than mere covering data they interprete, synthesis and integrate these
data and point to implications and interrelationship.
Generally, survey method does not only enables the researcher to make
general actions about the characteristics of, or predictions but also the
behaviour of a great body of people requiring measurement along a broad
spectrum of opinions, attitude, feelings beliefs, ideas, information and
understanding, in view of this, the survey has been considered the best
method for this study.
46
Reinstatement of Research Questions
1. To what extent do gender influence the adoption and uses of GSM
among undergraduates in Lagos?
2. To what extent do gender derive gratifications from GSM use?
3. What is the impact of GSM amongst University Undergraduates in
Lagos?
3.3 AREA OF STUDY
The target of study looks at the uses and effects of GSM on University
Students in Lagos, Nigeria taking into focus University Undergraduates in
Lagos as area of study and taking a simple-cross section of perception of
undergraduates of the uses and effects of GSM.
3.4 POPULATION OF THE STUDY
The research population of study is University Undergraduates in Lagos
Nigeria. 160 questionnaires will be administered during the conduct of the
research to spread across Lagos State University and University of Lagos
3.5 SAMPLING TECHNIQUE/PROCEDURE
47
A sample size of 180 Undergraduates is chosen using random sampling on
University undergraduates in Lagos. Random sampling is a method of
selecting a population such that all members of the population have equal
chance of being selected for the study, and the sampling of each case from
the pool of cases is independent of the sampling of another case. The
researcher adopts convenient sampling method for administering the
questionnaire to the respondents.
3.6 INSTRUMENT FOR DATA COLLECTION
The data collection instrument for this study is questionnaire. The
questionnaire will be both open and close-ended questions to seek mothers’
response, opinions and perceptions of the role of interactive media in their
children’s lives.
The Questionnaire gives the researcher opportunity to establish rapport with
the respondents, which could make the respondents to open-up and supply
all the required information. It also gives an opportunity to explain the
meaning of items that are not clear and may not be understood by the
respondents. Likewise, it saves time and money especially where a good
number of respondents are available in almost one particular place. It
48
guarantees as much as possible, the uniformity of response from the
response from the respondents and enhances data processing.
3.7 VALIDITY OF THE INSTRUMENT
The research instrument (Questionnaire) was designed to specifically
measure respondents Perceptions, opinions and beliefs in order to provide
answers to research questions, which would in turn provide solution to the
problem of study. The questionnaire was designed in such a way to generate
responses that would directly address research questions in an attempt to
give specific answers to the research questions
3.8 RELIABILITY OF THE INSTRUMENT
The study adopted precision and accuracy in its measurement i.e measuring
carefully what is set out to measure and will therefore consistently yield very
similar responses to questions drafted in the research instrument to address
research questions, also when the research is carried out again and again
adopting similar technique and population of study.
The capacity of the research design as well as research instrument to yield
the same responses and ultimately similar conclusions, when the same
49
procedure, technique and population of study is adopted gives this study its
reliability.
3.9 METHOD OF DATA ANALYSIS
Descriptive type of analysis is employed since it gives an overview of the
description of observed phenomena with the use of frequency, percentages
and measurement of central tendency. This type of analysis is suitable for
summarizing sets of numerical data such as scores on perception, scales and
questionnaires. This type of data analysis is suitable for only research
questions and not useful for testing hypothesis.
50
CHAPTER FOUR
4.1 INTRODUCTION
This chapter deals extensively with the analysis and the interpretation of
data obtained on “The uses and effect of GSM on University Undergraduates
in Lagos.
The interpretation of these responses was judiciously used to address the
research questions asserted in chapter one of this study. The data were
presented in tables and percentages distribution of the frequency counts and
the mean was used as the subject of analysis. Also, the questionnaire was
both open and closed ended questionnaires; the opened responses sought
the views of University Undergraduates on the uses and effect of GSM.
51
For the purpose of data collection, a total of 180 copies of questionnaires
were distributed to respondents in Universities in Lagos , after distribution
and collection of the result 160 copies of the questionnaires was retrieved
leaving a deficit of 20 copies of the questionnaires either void or was not
returned. We can infer that 89% of the total questionnaires distributed were
analyzed and interpreted in the tables below.
The findings of this study shall be presented in tabular analysis and simple
percentage of data will be employed. The first part analysis on demography,
while the section B deals with the subjective open and closed ended
questionnaires.
It was analyzed freely based on congruence of thoughts, relevance and /or
divergence of opinion of respondents. While the second part will be dealing
with the research questions with the presentation and discussion of findings.
4.2 DATA ANALYSIS AND INTERPRETATION
TABLE 1: DISTRIBUTION OF RESPONDENTS ON AGE
AGE BRACKET RESPONDENTS PERCENTAGE (%)
15-18 YEARS 25 16
52
19-22 YEARS 42 26
23-26 YEARS 63 39
31 AND ABOVE 30 19
TOTAL 160 100
Table 1 clearly indicates that 25(16%) of the respondents falls with the age
bracket between 15-18 years of age, 42(26%) of the respondents are of the
age range 19-22 years of age, 63(39%) of the respondents are of the age
range of 23-26 years of age indicating the highest number of distribution,
30(19%) of the respondents are 30 years and above. From the above, we
cannot but say that 23-26 years age bracket has the highest distribution with
an indication of 39%.
TABLE 2: DISTRIBUTION OF RESPONDENTS ON LEVEL
LEVEL RESPONDENTS PERCENTAGE (%)
100 35 22
200 36 23
53
300 34 21
400 45 28
500 10 6
TOTAL 160 100
It is evident in the table above that 35(22%) of the respondents are 100
levels students, 36(23%) of the respondents are 200 level students, 34(21%0
of the respondents are 300 level students, it is obvious form the table above
that 45(28%) of the respondents are 400 level students, 10(6%) of the
respondents are 500 level students. It is very glaring that 400 level student
have the highest number of distribution with a percentage of 28
TABLE 3: DISTRIBUTION OF RESPONDENTS ON SEX
SEX RESPONDENTS PERCENTAGE (%)
MALE 68 42
FEMALE 92 58
TOTAL 160 100
54
It was observed from table 3 that 68(42%) of the respondents that
participated in this study are males, 92(58%) of the respondents are
females. We cannot but say that the female gender has the highest
distribution in this study.
TABLE 4: DISTRIBUTION OF RESPONDENTS TO KNOW IF THEY OWN A
MOBILE PHONE
DO YOU OWN A
GSM
RESPONDENTS PERCENTAGE (%)
YES 160 100
NO 0 0
TOTAL 160 100
55
It is evident from the table above that that all the respondents of this study
claimed to own a GSM phone with a percentage of 100%. It is believed that
University Undergraduates explore some of the benefits associated with GSM
usage.
TABLE 5: DISTRIBUTION OF RESPONDENTS TO KNOW THE TIME
RESPONDENTS HAVE BEEN USING GSM
ALTERNATIVES RESPONDENTS PERCENTAGE (%)
LESS THAN A MONTH 0 0
3 MONTHS 0 0
6 MONTHS 0 0
LESS THAN A YEAR 10 6
56
MORE THAN A YEAR 150 94
TOTAL 160 100
It was observed from table 5 that 150(94%) respondents said that they
having been making use of GSM phone for at least a year, only 10(6%) of the
respondents claimed to have been using GSM phones for less than a year. It
could be inferred that there is a high level of GSM usage amongst University
Undergraduates in Lagos.
TABLE 6: DISTRIBUTION OF RESPONDENTS TO KNOW WHERE
RESPONDENT USE GSM HANDSET MOST
ALTERNATIVES RESPONDENTS PERCENTAGE (%)
IN THE ROOM 25 16
IN THE CLASSROOM 48 30
IN THE VEHICHLE 20 13
ON THE FIELD 40 25
57
IN THE CHURCH 17 11
IN THE MOSQUE 10 6
TOTAL 160 100
It was revealed from the table above that 25(16%) of the respondents said
that they make use of their GSM predominantly in the room, 48(30%) of the
respondents said they make use their of GSM mostly in the classroom,
20(13%) of the respondents make use of their GSM mainly in the vehicle,
40(25%) of the respondents affirmed that they make use of their GSM on the
field, some other respondents claimed they make use of their GSM in the
church and mosque with a percentage of 17(11%) and 10(6) respectively
TABLE 6: DISTRIBUTION OF RESPONDENTS TO KNOW THEIR
REASONS FOR USING GSM
ALTERNATIVES RESPONDENTS PERCENTAGE
(%)
58
FOR EMERGENCY OR
PERSONAL SAFTY
120 75
EVERYONE I KNOW
HAD ONE
0 0
TO KEEP IN TOUCH
WITH FRIENDS AND
SOCIAL CONTACTS
160 100
TO KEEP TOUCH WITH
PARENTS
100 63
FOR BUSINESS
REASONS
40 38
FOR INFORMATION
ACESS(PHONE
NUMBERS, INTERNET,
EMAIL, SPORTS
SCORES)
80 50
TOTAL 160 100
59
It was observed from the table above that most of the respondents said that
they make use of their GSM for diverse reasons. Some said that the GSM
phones has rescue them from emergency with a percentage of 120(75%), it
was also noticed that all the respondents affirmed that the GSM phone
function more than it primary purpose which it was made, 160(100%) of the
respondents affirmatively agreed to the fact that the GSM help to establish
and maintain friendship, 40(38%) of the respondents claimed that they also
make use of GSM for the establishment of business links, 100(63%) said that
they the GSM is used to keep in touch with parents, 80(50%) of the
respondents said that the GSM is more of an information tool. Be that as it
may, it is glaring from that data that most of the respondents uphold that the
GSM phone has help in the establishment and the maintenance of
relationships with a percentage of 100%. It could be argued from the above
that most of university undergraduates make more use of the GSM in the
establishment of social contact more than anything else.
TABLE 7: DISTRIBUTION OF RESPONDENTS TO KNOW WHAT THEY
USE GSM HANDSET FOR.
60
ALTERNATIVES RESPONDENTS PERCENTAGE (%)
FOR TEXT 160 100
TO MAKE CALLS 160 100
TO RECEIVE CALLS 160 100
TO RECEIVE CALL 160 100
TO RECEIVE NEWS 100 63
CHECK EMAIL 85 53
WEB BROWSING 65 42
LISTEN TO MUSIC 150 94
WATCH VIDEO 86 54
CALENDARING AND
APPOINTMENT
59 34
CLOCK AND ALARM 120 75
PARTTICIPATE IN A
CONTENTS
88 55
61
TOTAL 160 100
Table 7 shows some of the reasons why university undergraduates use GSM
160(100%) said that the GSM is used for sending and receiving text
massage,160(100%) of the respondents said that the GSM is used in making
and receiving calls, 85(53%) of the respondents made it clear that the GSM
is used for accessing the email, 150(94%) also make use of GSM in listening
to music,86(54) of the respondents also make use of GSM in watching video,
59(34%) make use of the GSM for calendaring and appointment, 120(75%) of
the respondents also make use of the GSM for clock and alarm, above all
88(55%) of the respondents also make use of GSM for participating in
contests. We cannot but deduce from the above reason why respondents use
GSM which could be seen as most vital functions of the GSM.
62
TABLE 8: DISTRIBUTION OF RESPONDENTS TO KNOW OTHER
REASONS WHY THEY MAKE USE OF GSM.
ALTERNATIVES RESPONDENTS PERCENTAGE (%)
STAYING IN TOUCH
WITH FRIENDS
90 56
STAYING IN TOUCH
WITH FAMILY
20 13
DISCUSS SCHOOL
WORK
4O 25
OFFICE RELATED
WORK
10 6
TOTAL 160 100
63
It was revealed by from the table above that apart from the operational
function of the GSM highlighted in table 7, the respondents submits that they
make use of the GSM to stay in touch with friends with a percentage of
90(56%), 20(13%) of the respondents affirms that they make use of the GSM
to stay in touch with parents, 40(25%) of the respondents maintain that they
make use of GSM to discuss school work, only 10(6%) of the respondents
asserted that they make of the GSM for office related work. It could be said
that most of the respondents claimed that they make use of the GSM to stay
in touch with friends.
TABLE 8: DISTRIBUTION OF RESPONDENTS ON SUBJECT MATTERS
DISCUSSED ON PHONE.
ALTERNATIVES RESPONDENTS PERCENTAGE (%)
FINANCE 20 13
ACADEMIC MATTERS 24 15
LOVE
MATTERS/AFFAIR
90 56
64
FAMILY MATTERS 5 3
SOCIAL MATTERS 9 7
POLITICS 0 0
SPORT 7 4
RELIGIOUS MATTERS 5 3
TOTAL 160 100
It was revealed from the table above that 20(13%) of the respondents
claimed that subject matter discuss on phone centers only on finance,
24(15%) of the respondents affirm that subject matter on GSM is mainly
focus on academic matters, it was asserted also from the table that a higher
number of the respondents submit that’ subject matter more often on the
GSM predominately evolves round love matters/affair, 5(3%) of the
respondents said that subject matter mostly discussed on phone centres on
family matters, 9(7%) of the respondents focus on social matters, 7(4%) the
respondents assert that subject matter on GSM focuses more often than not
on sport, 5(3%) of the respondents maintain that religious matter is the
65
subject matter most often discussed on GSM. It could be asserted that GSM
usage is predominately seen as regard subject matter more often discussed.
Be that as it may, GSM usage amongst University Undergraduates is evident
in the subject matter that they claimed is predominately discussed is love
matters with a percentage of 90(56%).
66
RESEARCH QUESTION ONE: TO WHAT EXTENT DO GENDER
INFLUENCE THE ADOPTION AND USES OF GSM AMONG
UNDERGRADUATES IN LAGOS
TABLE 9: DISTRIBUTION OF RESPONDENTS ON GENDER INFLUENCE
THE USES AND ADOPTION OF GSM PHONES BY UNDERGRADUATES
ALTERNATIVES MALE FEMALE TOTAL
STATUTORY SYMBOL 25(17%) 35(22%) 60(39%)
NECESSITY IN MODERN
TIMES
18(11%) 24(15%) 42(26%)
Cost efficiency 5(3%) 3(2%) 8(5%)
FOR FASHION 20(13%) 30(19%) 50(32%)
TOTAL 68(42%) 92(58%) 160(100%)
67
Table 8 shows that to a large extent gender might influence the use and
adoption of GSM on university undergraduates, on this note, 60(39%) of the
respondents maintain that gender to a large extent can influence GSM usage
and adoption. If we say then that gender can influence GSM usage and
adoption, the question to be asked here which of the gender influences one
another in GSM adoption as regards a statutory symbol. It is evident from the
table above that the female gender with a percentage of 35(22%) might be
influenced more than the male counterpart with a percentage of 25(17%)
when it comes to statutory symbol, the influence could be said to be as a
result of undergraduates want to be identify with his own ‘clicks’ or perhaps
want to be identified with a special class of people. It was also discovered
that 42(26%) of the respondents assert that the high level of adoption of
GSM amongst University Undergraduates could as a result of being recent
which could be said to be a necessity. Be that as it may, we cannot but say
most of the respondents maintain that the vital reason for the adoption of
GSM is the fact that they want to be updated with the latest GSM technology
and this might be a necessity of modern times, or perhaps could influence
their GSM adoption. The adoption of GSM is evidently predominant on the
female counterpart more than the male; most of the female sees the GSM as 68
a medium to oppress their female gender or perhaps the opposite gender. It
is clear from the table above that cost efficiency is not really a factor that
could influence GSM adoption because of the low response per se.
Nevertheless 8(5%) of the respondents claimed that GSM adoption could be
influenced by cost efficiency, in view of this the female gender submits that
cost might reduce the level of adoption if compared to the male counterpart.
Most university undergraduates, mostly, the females see the GSM more
often than not as a fashion symbol or perhaps a medium that symbolizes and
at the same time enhances fashion. We can infer that GSM adoption be seen
as a yardstick to measure luxury to some people, it could also be seen as an
information gadgets, in the same way, it could be seen as an emblem to
identify a class of people.
TABLE 10: DISTRIBUTION OF RESPONDENTS TO KNOW IF GENDER
INFLUENCES THE USES AND ADOPTION OF GSM PHONES BY UNDERGRADUATES
ALTERNATIVES MALE FEMALE TOTAL
STRONGLY AGREE 33(21%) 35(22%) 68(43%)
AGREE 12(8%) 24(15%) 36(23%)
69
UNDECIDED 5(3%) 9(6%) 14(9%)
DISAGREE 10(6%) 13(8%) 23(14%)
STRONGLY DISAGREE 8(5%) 11(7%) 19(12%)
TOTAL 68(42%) 92(58%) 160(100%)
Table 10 clearly shows that gender can influence the adoption and usage of
GSM on University Undergraduates, 68(43%) of the respondents uphold this
assertion, 36(23%) of the respondents corroborates the above, meanwhile,
14(9%) of the respondent could not justify if gender could influence the
adoption and usage of GSM. However, 23(14%) of the respondents contends
to the above assertion that gender cannot be a factor that could influence
University Undergraduates adoption and usage of GSM, in the same vein,
19(12%) of the respondents believe that there is no correlation in the gender
70
factor influencing University Undergraduates in GSM usage and adoption. We
could therefore state that to a large extent, if gender can be a factor
influencing GSM usage and adoption, then it could be as a necessity in
modern times.
RESEARCH QUESTION TWO: TO WHAT EXTENT DO GENDER DERIVE
GRATIFICATIONS FROM GSM USE?
TABLE 11: DISTRIBUTION OF RESPONDENTS ON THE EXTENT GENDER
DERIVE GRATIFICATIONS FROM GSM USE
ALTERNATIVES MALE FEMALE TOTAL
KEEP TRACK OF MY
LOVERS
60(38%) 90(56%) 150(94%)
LIE ABOUT A
LOCATION
56(35%) 78(49%) 138(84%)
NETWORK FRIENDS 63(39%) 85(53%) 148(92%)
PERSONAL SECURITY 45(28%) 56(35%) 101(63%)
71
TOTAL 68 92 160(100%)
It was highlighted in the table above that apart from the primary function of
the GSM, gender derive some gratifications from it usage, based on this,
150(94%) of the respondents emphasized that the GSM as really facilitated
the fast tracking of their lovers with an indication of more female gender as
shown above, in the same way, 138(84%) of the respondents predominately
state that more often than not the GSM as a communication gadget has
prompted the lying habits in gender, people confidently tell a lie of a location
in order to prevent their lovers form fast tracking their location perhaps with
another lover, nevertheless 148(92%) of the respondents also uphold the
fact apart from the above gratification derive as a result of GSM, it is used in
the networking of friends, 101(63%) of the respondents affirm that the GSM
has help save them in emergencies.
RESEARCH QUESTION THREE: WHAT IS THE IMPACT OF GSM
AMONGST UNIVERSITY UNDERGRADUATES IN LAGOS?
72
TABLE 12: DISTRIBUTION OF RESPONDENTS ON THE IMPACT OF GSM
ON UNIVERSITY UNDERGRADUATES
ALTERNATIVES MALE FEMALE TOTAL
IT MAKES
COMMUNICATION A
68(43%) 92(58%) 160(100%)
73
LOT EASIER
IT HELP TO ESTABLISH
AND MAINTAIN
RELATIONSHIP
68(43%) 92(58%) 160(100%)
IT PROMOTES LYING 50(31%) 66(41%) 116(72%)
IT REDUCES THE
NEED FOR
TRAVELLING
45(28%) 56(35%) 101(63%)
IT IS USEFUL IN
ACADEMIC PURSUITS
68 92 160(100%)
TOTAL 68 92 160(100%)
74
Table 12 clearly highlights the impact of GSM as it help to mediate
communication, 160(100%) of the respondents testify of the usefulness of
GSM as it makes communication a lot easier, also, 160(100%) of the
respondents see the GSM as a technology that promote, enhance and help in
the establishment of relationship, 116(72%) uphold that the GSM technology
as help to promote the lying telling habits of undergraduates, times without
number university undergraduates have come to realize the fact the GSM
has help cut down cost in reducing travelling expenses, 160(100%) of the
respondents affirmatively agree to the fact that the GSM is a very useful
gadget that can facilitate academic pursuits.
FINDINGS AND DISCUSSION
We cannot dispute the fact GSM is a very powerful medium that can facilitate
or perhaps mediate communication, on this note, from the findings of the
study it was recorded that that all the respondents of this study claimed to
own a GSM phone with a percentage of 100% this will further prove the fact
that University Undergraduates need explore some of the benefits
75
associated with GSM usage. It can be argued when it comes to determining
University Undergraduates of GSM usage in terms of gender, it could obvious
that the female gender would take the lead, to corroborate this assertion,
the findings of this study put it on record that the female gender can boast of
at least a phone, to establish this fact, more of the female gender of about
92(58%) attest to the fact that they own more than a phone. It was noted
from the findings of the study that 150(94%) respondents said that they
having been making use of GSM phone for at least a year, only 10(6%) of the
respondents claimed to have been using GSM phones for less than a year. It
could be inferred that there is a high level of GSM usage amongst University
Undergraduates in Lagos.
Meanwhile, it observed from the findings of the study that the respondents
said that they make use of their GSM predominantly in the room, 48(30%) of
the respondents said they make use their of GSM mostly in the classroom,
20(13%) of the respondents make use of their GSM mainly in the vehicle,
40(25%) of the respondents affirmed that they make use of their GSM on the
field, some other respondents claimed they make use of their GSM in the
church and mosque with a percentage of 17(11%) and 10(6) respectively.
Nevertheless, it was perceived from the findings of this study that most of
the respondents make use of their GSM for diverse reasons. Some said that 76
the GSM phones has rescue them from emergency with a percentage of
120(75%), it was also noticed that all the respondents affirmed that the GSM
phone function more than it primary purpose which it was made, 160(100%)
of the respondents affirmatively agreed to the fact that the GSM help to
establish and maintain friendship, 40(38%) of the respondents claimed that
they also make use of GSM for the establishment of business links,
100(63%) said that they the GSM is used to keep in touch with parents,
80(50%) of the respondents said that the GSM is more of an information tool.
Be that as it may, it is glaring from that data that most of the respondents
uphold that the GSM phone has help in the establishment and the
maintenance of relationships with a percentage of 100%. It could be argued
that most of university undergraduates make more use of the GSM in the
establishment of social contact more than anything else.
This study went further to sought for subject matters mostly discussed on
GSM, 20(13%) of the respondents claimed that subject matter discuss on
phone centers only on finance, 24(15%) of the respondents assert that
subject matter on GSM is mainly focus on academic matters, it was asserted
also from the study that a higher number of the respondents submit that’
subject matter more often on the GSM predominately evolves round love
matters/affair, 5(3%) of the respondents said that subject matter mostly 77
discussed on phone centres on family matters, 9(7%) of the respondents
focus on social matters, 7(4%) the respondents maintain that subject matter
on GSM focuses more often than not on sport, 5(3%) of the respondents
uphold that religious matter is the subject matter most often discussed on
GSM. It could be asserted that GSM usage is predominately seen as regard
subject matter more often discussed. Be that as it may, GSM usage amongst
University Undergraduates is evident in the subject matter that they claimed
is predominately discussed is love matters with a percentage of 90(56%).
Research question one which seeks to find out the extent gender influence
the adoption and uses of GSM among undergraduates in Lagos, it was
revealed from the findings of the study that to a large extent gender might
influence the use and adoption of GSM on university undergraduates, it was
noted that 60(39%) of the respondents maintain that gender can influence
GSM usage and adoption. Invariably, can we say then that gender can
influence GSM usage and adoption, the question to be asked here which of
the gender influences one another in GSM adoption as regards a statutory
symbol. It is evident from the study that gender can influence GSM adoption
with an indication on the female gender with a percentage of 35(22%)
compared to the male counterpart with a percentage of 25(17%), be that as
it may, when it comes to statutory symbol, the influence could be said to be 78
as a result of undergraduates want to be identify with his own ‘clicks’ or
perhaps want to be identified with a special class of people this is in line with
Rogers in Alawode (2003) maintained that University Undergraduates see
the GSM more of a statutory symbol than a communication gadget . It was
also discovered that 42(26%) of the respondents assert that the high level of
adoption of GSM amongst University Undergraduates could as a result of
being recent which could be said to be a necessity. Be that as it may, we
cannot but say most of the respondents maintain that the vital reason for the
adoption of GSM is the fact that they want to be updated with the latest GSM
technology and this might be a necessity of modern times, or perhaps could
influence their GSM adoption. The adoption of GSM is evidently predominant
on the female counterpart more than the male; most of the female sees the
GSM as a medium to oppress their female gender or perhaps the opposite
gender. It is clear from the study that cost efficiency is not really a factor
that could influence GSM adoption because of the low response per se. This
findings corroborates Kwon and Chidambaram, (2000), they observe that
mobile phone users are influenced by demographic, social, cultural,
psychological and contextual factors, which complicate the understanding of
mobile phone use. In view of this, these factors interact with mobile phone
and service design to influence the adoption and use of the mobile phone
79
products [Buchanan et al., 2001]. Motivations to use GSM technology can be
expounded by the uses and gratification theory. This theory upholds the
findings of this study that the consumer is actively involved in the decision to
determine their media use and is motivated by the need to fulfill certain
needs (Peters et al., 2007). Furthermore, these consumers select the media
contents that they wish to be exposed to (Katz, 1959). Based on the studies
conducted by Katz et al. (1973), the use of mass media is goal oriented, and
the consumer seeks to link the need gratification with their choice of media.
The consumer's use of the media also competes with other sources of need
satisfaction, and gratifications from media use usually encompass diversion,
entertainment, and information. Nevertheless 8(5%) of the respondents
claimed that GSM adoption could be influenced by cost efficiency, in view of
this the female gender submits that cost might reduce the level of adoption
if compared to the male counterpart. Most university undergraduates,
mostly, the females see the GSM more often than not as a fashion symbol or
perhaps a medium that symbolizes and at the same time enhances fashion
Studies show that mobile phone users, especially adolescents, often use
handsets as fashion accessories (Alexander, 2000; Green, 2003; Hulme &
Peters, 2001), and that mobile phones can symbolize social status among
some users ( Taylor & Harper, 2001).
80
We can infer that GSM adoption be seen as a yardstick to measure luxury to
some people, it could also be seen as an information gadgets, in the same
way, it could be seen as an emblem to identify a class of people.
Research question two, seeks to investigate if gender influence
gratifications from GSM use, It was highlighted in the findings of the study
that apart from the primary function of the GSM, gender derive some
gratifications from it usage, based on this, 150(94%) of the respondents
emphasized that the GSM as really facilitated the fast tracking of their lovers
with an indication of more female gender as mentioned earlier, in the same
way, 138(84%) of the respondents predominately state that more often than
not the GSM as a communication gadget has prompted the lying habits in
gender, people confidently tell a lie of a location in order to prevent their
lovers form fast tracking their location perhaps with another lover,
corroborates Biobaku (2008), when he revealed some of the reasons why
people tell lie when making use of the GSM. His submission was people tell
lie with the GSM to defend their immoral act, to defraud and this is much
more prevalent in the female gender than the male. Nevertheless 148(92%)
of the respondents also uphold the fact apart from the above gratification
derive as a result of GSM, it is used in the networking of friends, this
supports plant (2001) noted that the GSM is a communication facility used in 81
the networking of friends. 101(63%) of the respondents affirm that the GSM
has help save them in emergencies.
Research question three seeks to find out the impact of GSM amongst
University Undergraduates in Lagos, it was uncovered from the findings of
the study that GSM mediates communication, 160(100%) of the
respondents testify of the usefulness of GSM as it makes communication a
lot easier, in view of this fact, Churchill & Churchill, (2007) validated this
study when establish the fact GSM facilitates communication. Nevertheless ,
160(100%) of the respondents see the GSM as a technology that promote,
enhance and help in the establishment of relationship, 116(72%) uphold that
the GSM technology as help to promote the lying telling habits of
undergraduates, times without number university undergraduates have
come to realize the fact the GSM has help cut down cost in reducing
travelling expenses, 160(100%) of the respondents affirmatively agree to the
fact that the GSM is a very useful gadget that can facilitate academic
pursuits.
Mobile phones are increasingly one of the most popular information access
devices. They have an extensive and continuing effect on how people
82
communicate among themselves and how people conduct their day to day
lives.
Nevertheless the most basic communication need – talking and exchanging
information with other people – is most fundamental objective which
students use mobile phone in an academic setting either to pass on
information about academic work to one another. It could be argued, that in
many societies, the mobile phone is often the only feasible means of
communicating over distances, even if it has to be shared by several people
in a household or village.
CHAPTER FIVE
SUMMARY, CONCLUSION AND RECOMMENDATION
5.1 SUMMARY
83
It was asserted from this study that for today’s traditional-age
undergraduates information technology plays an integral role in their
everyday lives. They actively use technology for school, work and recreation.
As new technologies became available they readily adopt them as soon as
they perceive that the benefits and costs are aligned. Yet, the extent of
student adoption and perception of the value of these technologies is not
readily known. Nevertheless, Mobile phones have become a pervasive part of
everyday life. The primary aim of pervasive computing is providing
information to the users anywhere anytime and on any device. Due to the
proliferation of smart phones and PDAs and since they provide end to end
communication in mobile networks, smart phones serve as important
pervasive devices in ubiquitous environments. Today’s mobile phone
networks provide global ubiquitous wireless environments, satisfying most
requirements of the pervasive computing information service delivery.
Mobile phones are increasingly one of the most popular information access
devices. They have an extensive and continuing effect on how people
communicate among themselves and how people conduct their day to day
lives.
84
5.2 Conclusion
We cannot dispute the fact that GSM is a very powerful medium that can
facilitate or perhaps mediate communication, the fact remains, competence
in communication ability is central to all issues relating to Interpersonal
relationship. Relationship being an interpersonal process cannot be
conceptualized as being fixed. For this reason, relationships are always in a
state of flux, continually going through stages of change and maintenance,
growth and retreat. This process is developed through communication;
hence as individuals define and redefine their relationships, they share their
understanding of the relationship with their partners. It is of this fact that
computers and mobile telephones have revolutionized communication and
by extension interpersonal relationship hence influencing intimacy and the
closeness that exist between people. It is also understood that interaction
helps people master the world, and find connectedness, while at the same
time leading to simple familiarity which in turn increases liking. Nevertheless
the most basic communication need – talking and exchanging information
with other people – is most fundamental objective which students use mobile
phone in an academic setting either to pass on information about academic
work to one another. It could be argued, that in many societies, the mobile
85
phone is often the only feasible means of communicating over distances,
even if it has to be shared by several people in a household or village.
GSM could be said to be as interesting and very recent technology to higher
education. As more university undergraduates adopt the GSM technology,
they should seek to take advantages of the benefits of integrating the use of
this technology into teaching and learning environments in the near future.
The power to change the way of educating people is mind boggling. It could
be argued that GSM technologies are the new frontier for teaching and
learning in institutions of higher education. GSM technologies use in higher
education will continue to grow and will become the learning environment of
choice.
5.3 Recommendation
In order to curb the gender influence on GSM adoption and usage I therefore
make the following recommendations to both university undergraduates and
GSM manufacturer.
86
1. University undergraduates need to explore the inherent benefits
associated with this technology instead of exploring this technology in
exploiting of people
2. University undergraduates should see this technology as it mediate
communication which could enhance their learning skills.
3. GSM providers are not left out, they are advised to make all phones in
such a way that is can identify the photograph and locations of
transceivers
4. SIM registration should be encourage in order to control the high level
of fraud, and immoral on the use of GSM.
5. The government also should enact laws to support strict compliance of
the mentioned recommendations.
SUGESSTIONS FOR FURTHER STUDY
For further study I suggest that research should on the influence of gender
on the uses and adoption of GSM among undergraduates in south-west
Nigeria.
87
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QUESTIONNAIRE
I, RAIMOT AKINFENWA, a final year student of the Department of Communication Technology Lagos State University School of Communication, Surulere.
I am conducting a research on Uses and effect of GSM On University Undergraduates”.
You have been selected as one of the special respondent for the research. Please, kindly answer the questions in this questionnaire as candidly as possible.
Information supplied is meant strictly for Educational Study. It will not be used in anyway for or against you as a person. Be assured also that confidentiality is highly guaranteed.
Thanks for your cooperation
INSTRUCTION A
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Please tick (√) only one option to the following questions in this section
1. Do you own a mobile phone?a. Yes [ ]b. No [ ]
2. If no why not?
a. I don’t need it [ ]
b. I can’t afford it [ ]
c. My parents forbid it [ ]
d. My religion forbid it [ ]
e. It has been stolen [ ]
f. It is faulty [ ]
3. How long have you been using a mobile phone?
Please choose only one of the following:
a. Less than 1 month [ ]b. 3 months [ ]c. 6 months [ ]d. 1 year [ ]e. More than 1 year [ ]
4. Where do you use your GSM handset most?
a. In the room [ ]
b. In the classroom [ ]
c. In the vehicle [ ]
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d. On the field [ ]
e. In the church [ ]
f. In the mosque [ ]
5. Do you use a mobile phone?
a. Yes [ ]b. No [ ]
6.Why did you acquire or start using a mobile phone? You can choose more than one option.
a. To use in case of emergency or personal safety [ ]b. Everyone I know had one [ ]c. To keep in touch with friends and other social contacts [ ]d. To keep in touch with parents [ ]e. For business reasons [ ]f. For information access (phone numbers, internet, email, sports scores,
etc) [ ]g. It offers good value [ ]h. Other. ………………………………………………………………………
7. How often do you use text messaging or SMS service?
Please choose only one of the following:
a. Never [ ] b. Rarely [ ]c. Once every day [ ]d. Twice a day [ ]e. 1 to 5 times a week [ ]
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9. What do you use your mobile phone for? You can choose more than one option
a. For text [ ]b. To make calls [ ]c. To receive calls [ ]d. To receive news [ ]e. check email [ ]f. web-browsing [ ]g. listen to music or radio [ ]h. watch video [ ]i. calendaring and appointments [ ]j. clock and alarm [ ]k. participate in contests [ ]
Other………………………………………………………………..
10. Apart from the above, what else do you use your phone for?
a. staying in touch with friends [ ]b. staying in touch with family [ ]c. discuss schoolwork [ ]d. office-related work (if working) [ ]
11. What subject do you discuss most on your phone?
a. Finance [ ]
b. Academic matters [ ]
c. Love matters/affairs [ ]
d. Family matters [ ]99
e. Social matters [ ]
f. Politics [ ]
g. Sports [ ]
h. Religious matters [ ]
12. To what extent do gender influence the uses and adoption of GSM phones by undergraduates?
a. Statutory symbol
b. Necessity in modern times
c. Cost efficiency
d. for fashion
13. Gender influence the use and adoption of GSM phones by undergraduates
a. Strongly Agree
b. Agree
c. Undecided
d. Disagree
e. Strongly Disagree
14. Gender derive gratifications from GSM use. You can choose more than one option.
a. Keep track of my lovers
b. Lie about a location
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c. Network friends
d. Personal security
e. Privacy management
15. The use of GSM phone is greatly influenced by friends as a fashion tool
a. Strongly Agree
b. Agree
c. Undecided
d. Disagree
e. Strongly Disagree
16. How much do you spend on your phone daily?
a. Less than 100- 200 naira
b. 300-500 naira
c. 500-900 naira
d. 1000 naira and above
16. Mobile phone symbolizes social status among undergraduates
a. Strongly Agree
b. Agree
c. Undecided
d. Disagree
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e. Strongly Disagree
17. Gender influences gratifications from GSM use to keep track with lovers
a. Strongly Agree
b. Agree
c. Undecided
d. Disagree
e. Strongly Disagree
18. What would you say is the impact of GSM on Undergraduates? You can
choose more than one option
a. It makes communication a lot easier [ ]b. It help to establish and maintain relationships [ ]c. It promotes lying [ ]d. It reduces the need for travelling [ ]e. It is very useful in academic pursuits [ ]
19. To what extent has GSM help to maintain and establish relationships amongst undergraduates?
a. To a very large extent [ ]b. To a large [ ]c. To a little extent [ ]d. Of no influence [ ]
20. To what extent has GSM make communication a lot easier in academic pursuit amongst undergraduates?
a. To a very large extent [ ]b. To a large [ ]c. To a little extent [ ]d. Of no influence [ ]
SECTION B
1. Please indicate your school………………………………………………….
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2. Please indicate your age bracket
a. 15-18years [ ]
b. 19-22 years [ ]
c. 23-26 years [ ]
d. 27-30 years [ ]
e. 31 and above [ ]
3. Level
a. 100 [ ]
b. 200 [ ]
c. 300 [ ]
d. 400 [ ]
e. 500 [ ]
[
4. Sex
a. Male [ ]b. Female [ ]
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