Attitude Of Youngsters Towards Mobile Phones -- Survey

INTERNATIONAL ISLAMIC UNIVERSITY ISLAMABAD (Women Campus)

PSYCHOLOGY

REPORT Submitted to: MS TAMKEEN

Submitted by: SUMAIRA YOUSUF LAILA FARID ERUM ASIF AMNA TAYAB BEENISH HAYAT MUZNA RAHMAN

CONTENTS

INTRODUCTION...............................................................................................................3 History................................................................................................................... ....................3 Human Behavior and Health.......................................................................... .........................3 The Parents' Approach................................................................................................ .............4 Mobile Phone Use Leading to Stress Among Teens: Study.................................. ..................4

METHADOLOGY...............................................................................................................7 OPERANTITONAL DEFINITION ..................................................................................7 RESULT............................................................................................................................13 DISCUSSION...................................................................................................................18 LIMITATIONS............................................................................................. ..........................18

2

INTRODUCTION A mobile phone (also known as a wireless phone or cellular phone) is a short-range, electronic device used for mobile voice or data communication over a network of specialized base stations known as cell sites. In addition to the standard voice function of a mobile phone, telephone, current mobile phones may support many additional services, and accessories, such as SMS for text messaging, email, packet switching for access to the Internet, gaming, Bluetooth, infrared, camera with video recorder and MMS for sending and receiving photos and video. Most current mobile phones connect to a cellular network of base stations (cell sites), which is in turn interconnected to the public switched telephone network (PSTN) (the exception is satellite phones).

History In 1908, U.S. Patent 887,357 for a wireless telephone was issued in to Nathan B. Stubblefield of Murray, Kentucky. He applied this patent to "cave radio" telephones and not directly to cellular telephony as the term is currently understood. Cells for mobile phone base stations were invented in 1947 by Bell Labs engineers at AT&T and further developed by Bell Labs during the 1960s. Radiophones have a long and varied history going back to Reginald Fessenden's invention and shore-to-ship demonstration of radio telephony, through the Second World War with military use of radio telephony links and civil services in the 1950s, while hand-held cellular radio devices have been available since 1973. A patent for the first wireless phone as we know today was issued in US to George Sweigert of Euclid, Ohio on June 10th, 1969. Due to their low establishment costs and rapid deployment, mobile phone networks have since spread rapidly throughout the world, outstripping the growth of fixed telephony.

Human Behavior and Health Since the introduction of mobile phones, concerns (both scientific and public) have been raised about the potential health impacts from regular use. But by 2008, American mobile phones transmitted and received more text messages than phone calls. Numerous studies have reported no significant relationship between mobile phone use and health, but the effect of mobile phone usage on health continues to be an area of public concern.

3

For example, at the request of some of their customers, Verizon created usage controls that meter service and can switch phones off, so that children could get some sleep. Other users that some people are working on limiting include persons operating moving trains or automobiles, coaches when writing to potential players on their teams, and movie theater audiences. By one measure, nearly 40% of automobile drivers aged 16 to 30 years old text while driving, and by another, 40% of youngsters said they could text blindfolded.

The Parents' Approach Traditionally, there has been a certain amount of generational conflict within the family group, yet, nowadays this conflict seems to be strongly decreasing. Likewise, it appears that parental behavior related to mobile phones is clearly pro-children, and not against them. Richard Ling speaks of the mobile phone in terms of a "digital leash" in the strictest canine context, that is, the peculiar umbilical cord that ties parents with their children. In another words, parents are happy buying phones to their children so they know where they are. It thus plays the role of a security device to keep the child safe. Leopoldina Fortunati and Anna Maria Manganelli bring forward an interesting "aporia" (Greek word for "contradiction" or "paradox") whereby parents think that, thanks to the mobile phone, they are in control of their children, while children think that they are free from their parents. Neither parties wrongly “think” what they think, because the other side is not neither thinking nor doing so. It is theatrical simulacrum, not reality. So the mobile is somewhat helping consolidate such simulacrum.

Mobile Phone Use Leading to Stress Among Teens: Study Study in Sweden on 21 youngsters between 14 and 30 showed that teenagers who excessively use their cell phone are more prone to disrupted sleep. A disturbing study has found that frequent use of mobile phones may leave teenagers with stress and sleep problems, often leading to 'careless' lifestyle. A study in Sweden on 21 youngsters between 14 and 20 showed that teenagers who excessively use their cell phone are more prone to disrupted sleep, restlessness, stress and fatigue.

4

The findings, which were presented at SLEEP 2008, the 22nd Annual Meeting of the Associated Professional Sleep Societies (APSS), found that such youths also had more 'careless' lifestyles, consumed more stimulating drinks, suffered from disrupted sleep or insomnia and were more susceptible to stress and fatigue. "Addiction to cell phone is becoming common. Youngsters feel a group pressure to remain inter-connected and reachable round the clock. There seem to be a connection between intensive use of cell phones and health compromising behavior such as smoking, snuffing and use of alcohol," said Gaby Badre of Sahlgren's Academy in Gothenburg, Sweden, the author of the report. "It is necessary to increase the awareness among youngsters of the negative effects of excessive mobile phone use on their sleep-wake patterns, with serious health risks as well as attention and cognitive problems," Badre was quoted as saying in a report by the Science Daily online. The scientist said adolescents should get nine hours of sleep a night. Studies have also linked the use of mobile phones by pregnant mothers to birth of kids with behavioral and emotional problems.

Young Adults Rely on Mobiles to 'Lift their Mood' One in six young adults could be addicted to their mobile phones, research suggests. A study of the mobile phone use of more than 100 students showed a large proportion exhibited symptoms more usually associated with compulsive gamblers. Many were so attached to their mobile that they relied on it to lift their mood, resorted to lying about how much they used it and regularly borrowed money from friends and relatives to pay their bills. The symptoms could be even worse for younger teenagers than those studied. Psychologist Dr David Sheffield asked to group of students to fill in a survey based on one used to diagnose gambling addiction. The volunteers, who were aged between 18 and 25, were asked questions such as whether relatives had ever asked them to cut down on their mobile use and if they became bad tempered when denied access to their phone. Analysis of the results showed one in seven became restless and irritable when they couldn't make phone calls and had no qualms about would lying to cover up the amount of time they spent on their handset. Ninety per cent said they took their mobiles wherever they went and third used phone calls to lift their mood. Seven per cent even said they would rather lose a job or relationship than give up their mobile. Overall, one in six had a range of symptoms more usually associated with gambling addiction, the British Psychological Society's annual health conference will hear tomorrow (FRI).

5

A second study showed that mobile phones - an essential part of everyday life for 55million Britons - can send stress levels soaring. Dr Sheffield, a health psychologist at the University of Staffordshire, looked at how a group of students coped when banned from using their mobiles. After just three days, their blood pressure was lower and they suffered fewer hassles and irritations when going about their day-to-day lives. The distressing came at a price however, with the students feeling less happy than when they were able to chat to their friends on their phones. It is thought their social lives - and mood - suffered from not being able to make last-minute arrangements to meet their friends and from not receiving good news unexpectedly when out and about. 'Getting phone calls can make you feel better about yourself - give you greater self-esteem,' Dr Sheffield said. 'Whereas not getting calls can make you feel down or less important.' Although the research focused on students, it is thought the findings will apply across all age groups. Despite the results, Dr Sheffield is unsure whether mobile phone users are in the grip of true addiction or simply suffering from the strains of modern life. He does, however, have some advice for those who find it hard to be separated from their mobile. 'Maybe it is good to take a break from your mobile phone every so often ' he said. 'It is hard to leave your phone at home when you go on holiday but maybe it is not such a bad idea.' "Addiction to cell phone is becoming common. Youngsters feel a group pressure to remain inter-connected and reachable round the clock. There seem to be a connection between intensive use of cell phones and health compromising behavior such as smoking, snuffing and use of alcohol," said Gaby Badre of Sahlgren's Academy in Gothenburg, Sweden, the author of the report. "It is necessary to increase the awareness among youngsters of the negative effects of excessive mobile phone use on their sleep-wake patterns, with serious health risks as well as attention and cognitive problems," Badre was quoted as saying in a report by the Science Daily online.

By keeping these points in mind, we have conducted a survey on how do mobile phones affect the attitude of youngsters and how does this influence the society.

6

METHADOLOGY PROBLEM STATEMENT: ATTITUDE OF YOUNGSTERS TOWARDS MOBILE PHONES; is it and ISOLATION or INCLUSION?

OPERANTITONAL DEFINITION

Isolation: The separation of individuals or groups resulting in the lack of or minimizing of social contact and/or communication. This separation may be accomplished by physical separation, by social barriers and by psychological mechanisms. In the latter, there may be interaction but no real communication.

Inclusion:

The bond between individuals or groups that results by required amount of

communication. This bond may be maintained by frequent interactions through any mean of communication.

SAMPLE: The sample of our survey consists of 50 students of University level in Islamabad; both male and female. Their age range is from 15 to 30 years.

INSTRUMENT:

We have adopted a qualitative approach. The sample has a total of 18

questions; each consisting 3 options of responses; that categorizes the individual in being included, neutral or isolated from the society.

HYPOTHESIS: Youngsters consider the use of mobile phones to be isolation from the society METHOD:

We went to 4 Universities in Islamabad; COMSATS, IQRA, FUUAST &

INTERNATIONAL ISLAMIC UNIVERSITY.

7

As the requirement of the survey, we used qualitative approach to measure the attitudes. Here is a sample how we measured:

C represents INCLUSION, N represents NEUTRAL & I represent ISOLATION

1. How much money do you spend on cell phone cards every month?



Below 100

[I]



Above 100 less than 500

[C]

 Above 500

[N]

2.How many text messages you send each day?



Below 25

[N]



Above 25 below 50

[C]

 Above 100

[I]

3.You think you are able to communicate well through messaging than meeting others in person.



Agree

[I]



Disagree

[C]



Perhaps

[N]

4.You are habitual of checking your mobile every few minutes for new messages or missed calls.

 Yes (Select one)



I really need to check it due to family / business needs

[C]

I can’t resist checking my mobile often. i.e. out of habit

[I]

No

[N]

8

5.You often use phone during meals, walks or lectures?



Agree

[I]



Sometimes

[C]

 Disagree

[N]

6.You turn off your cell phone before you go to sleep?



Yes

[C]



No

[I]



Sometimes

[N]

7.You prefer greeting a loved one Birthday wish, Eid Day, Valentine, etc



By messaging or making call

[N]



By sending an email

[N]



By posting a card

[C]

8.Your home mates often complain about your excessive usage of cell phone



Agree

[I]



Disagree

[C]

 Neutral

[N]

9.You think your home mates’ confidence in you has shaken with you using personal mobile



Agree

[I]



Disagree

[C]

 To some extent

[N]

10. Mobile phones matter to you more than TV.



Agree [I]

9



Disagree

[N]



Neutral

[C]

11. Sometimes you feel dizziness when you call for a longer period of time



Agree

[N]



Disagree

[I]



Neutral

[C]

12. You also use your phone for Internet purpose, listening to radio or as an mp3 player.



Agree

[I]



Yes, Sometimes

[C]

 Disagree

[N]

13. You are conscious when new mobile models come in market.



Agree

[I]



Disagree

[C]



Neutral

[N]

14. Spending a day without mobile would be a nightmare.



Agree

[N]



Disagree

[I]

 Neutral

[C]

15. Mobiles have contributed in making world a smaller place



Agree

[N]



Disagree

[I]

 Neutral

[C]

16. You think mobile phones have brought a useful change in our lives?

10



Agree

[N]



Disagree

[I]



Neutral

[C]

17. Have mobiles been helpful for you in your studies?

 Agree

[C]

 Disagree

[I]



Neutral

[N]

18. Write few line how mobile phones have affected your life.

[If it is in a positive sense, it’s Inclusion or else Isolation]

The reason of this type of distribution was that mobiles have become a part of our lives; we may avoid them but we can not ignore them. Up to an extent usage of it helps us be connected to the society, however excess use makes us Isolated. We have used the categorization of Isolation and Inclusion accordingly. Usage of cell phones up to an extent aids us in being connected with the society, but its excess usage makes us isolated from our present company. We have used the categorization of Isolation and Inclusion accordingly.

11

12

RESULT

GIRLS

Girls Attitude Toward Mobile Phones

22 15 8 1 0%

Isolation Neutral Inclusion

20% 40% 60% 80% 100% ATTITUDE

1

2

3

4

5

6

7

8

9

10

11

12

13

14

15

16

17

18

19

20

21

22

23

24

25

Inclusion

8

2

4

8

8

10

6

4

5

6

7

7

6

8

5

4

6

8

8

3

3

7

11

5

7

Neutral

4

5

10

4

6

4

6

4

7

4

3

6

7

5

6

9

7

8

4

5

4

5

5

8

8

Isolation

5

10

3

5

3

3

5

9

5

7

7

4

4

4

6

4

4

1

5

9

10

5

1

4

2

Young Male Attitude Toward Mobile Phones

MALES

21 16 11 Isolation Neutral Inclusion

6 1 0%

20%

40%

60%

80% 100%

ATTITUDE 1

2

3

4

5 6

Inclusion 7 8 Neutral

5

5

6

8 3 10 2

4

7

8

7

4

6

5

2

3

5 2

4

6 5

8

8

7

8

8

5

7 4

5 6

5

4

4

4

3

4

1

4

5

5 5

4

5 2

3

3

9

2

4

4

6

2 10 2 9

8

6

5

6 10 7 11 11 9

6 10 6

6

1

Isolation

7

8

9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25

7 10 9

ATTIUDE MEASUREMENT OF YOUNGSTERS TOWARD MOBILE PHONES

49 45 41

YOUNGSTERS

37 33 29

Islation Neutral Inclusion

25 21 17 13 9 5 1 0%

20%

40%

60%

80%

100%

MOBILES 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9

1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 2 2 2 2 2 2 2 2 2 2 3 3 3 3 3 3 3 3 3 3 4 4 4 4 4 4 4 4 4 4 5 0 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 0 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 0 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 0 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 0

Inclusion 8 2 4 8 8 1 6 4 5 6 7 7 6 8 5 4 6 8 8 3 3 7 1 5 7 7 5 5 6 8 3 1 2 4 7 8 7 4 6 5 2 3 5 2 4 6 5 8 8 7 Neutral

4 5 1 4 6 4 6 4 7 4 3 6 7 5 6 9 7 8 4 5 4 5 5 8 8 8 8 8 5 7 4 5 6 5 4 4 4 3 4 1 4 5 5 5 4 5 2 3 3 9

Islation

5 1 3 5 3 3 5 9 5 7 7 4 4 4 6 4 4 1 5 9 1 5 1 4 2 2 4 4 6 2 1 2 9 8 6 5 6 1 7 1 1 9 7 1 9 6 1 6 6 1

17

DISCUSSION Our enquiry from Female Youngsters gave us the conclusion that 36.7%, according to our survey technique, are considered to be included in the society; they mostly use mobiles for family or business reasons. Where as, 29.41% excessively use mobile which cuts them off mentally from the environment they are present in. In Male Youngsters, 32.23%, are included in the society where as 39.29% are considered to be Isolated from it. Our overall result suggests that there is a minor difference of youngsters to be considered in Isolation and Inclusion. 34.40% are considered to be included in the society, where as 34.35% are considered to be Isolated from it.

LIMITATIONS 1. We focused only on university students; youngsters who are working might have different Isolation and Inclusion level. 2. This was a general survey. We had a limited sample of 50 youngsters, however if the sample range were of 200 or more, the results might have differed a bit.

18