MOBILE PHONE USAGE TRENDS AMONG TEENAGERS: A USES AND GRATIFICATION PERSPECTIVE

Abstract

Cell phones have become an integral part of everyone’s life. Children, adolescents and adults have been using smart phones for communication, entertainment and also for learning new things. It is evident that the Covid 19 pandemic has accelerated cell phone usage and internet access considerably. Today, smart phones have become a small portable computer that can be carried and used easily.  Teens across India use cell phones for entertainment, to connect with others and also to learn and explore new things. Smart phone addiction among teenagers is a growing concern among parents. Students use cell phone for playing games, texting and calling each other even when the classes are in progress. There does not seem to be any gender difference in the usage of cell phone. In fact, some studies reveal that girls use cell phone more than boys.  The current study conducted using interview and group discussion method on the cell phone usage pattern among teenagers in schools in the semi-urban areas in Thiruvananthapuram, Kerala, India, corroborates that there are no significant gender differences in cell phone access and usage among boys and girls. Also, the study reveals that teenagers are aware of the harmful effects of excessive cell phone usage. The study further revealed that irrespective of the family income or parents’ education level, teenagers had access to cell phones and they knew how to use it.