ADIGWE IFEANYI

LAGOS STATE UNIVERSITY, SCHOOL OF COMMUNICATION, NIGERIA

FAITHWISEDOM@YAHOO.CO.UK

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

open platforms, roaming, and economies of scale (GSM Association, 2004a).

2
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

complementary technologies: wired (copper, coaxial-cable and fiber-optics),

3
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

at the end of 2003, in contrast to 3 per cent for fixed line, the rise of mobile

4
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

that was determined by NCC. CIL, however, had its license withdrawn

because of inability to meet with the deadline for payment (Nigerian Tribune,
5
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

growth and pervasiveness tends to shift the paradigm of thought and

6
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

standardization group established in 1982 to create a common European

mobile telephone standard that would formulate specifications for a pan-

7
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

* Support for international roaming

* Ability to support handheld terminals

8
* 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)

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

9
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

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

10
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).

* 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.

11
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

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

12
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

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.

13
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

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,

14
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

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

15
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

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

16
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,

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.

17
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

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.

18
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?

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?
19
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.

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.

20
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.

Chapter two
21
 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-

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

22
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.

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

23
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:

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].

24
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

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

25
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

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

26
(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

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.

27
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

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

28
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

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

29
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

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.

30
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

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

31
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

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

32
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

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

33
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

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

34
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

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),

35
or record audio narrations using iPods with attached microphones (Olney,

Herrington, & Verenikina, 2008).

Analytical tools

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

36
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)

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

37
where communication enhancing technological devices have been

considered as major research variables.

Mobile phone usage by undergraduates

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

38
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

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

39
characteristics may be related to the adoption and use of communication

technologies to support relationships.

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

40
used their mobile phones for three purposes: safety/security, micro-

coordination, and hyper-coordination. Safety/security refers to the use of a

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-
41
forward communication system for the mobile phone” (Bamba and Barnes,

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).

42
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).

43
 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

44
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.

Reinstatement of Research Questions

45
 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

46
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

47
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

procedure, technique and population of study is adopted gives this study its

reliability.
48
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.

49
 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.

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

50
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

19-22 YEARS 42 26

23-26 YEARS 63 39

31 AND ABOVE 30 19

TOTAL 160 100

51
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

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

52
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

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 RESPONDENTS PERCENTAGE (%)

GSM

YES 160 100

NO 0 0

53
TOTAL 160 100

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

54
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

IN THE CHURCH 17 11

IN THE MOSQUE 10 6

TOTAL 160 100

55
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

(%)

FOR EMERGENCY OR 120 75

PERSONAL SAFTY

EVERYONE I KNOW 0 0

HAD ONE

TO KEEP IN TOUCH 160 100

WITH FRIENDS AND

SOCIAL CONTACTS

TO KEEP TOUCH WITH 100 63

56
 PARENTS

FOR BUSINESS 40 38

REASONS

FOR INFORMATION 80 50

ACESS(PHONE

NUMBERS, INTERNET,

EMAIL, SPORTS

SCORES)

TOTAL 160 100

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
57
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.

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 59 34

APPOINTMENT

CLOCK AND ALARM 120 75

PARTTICIPATE IN A 88 55
58
CONTENTS

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.

59
TABLE 8: DISTRIBUTION OF RESPONDENTS TO KNOW OTHER

REASONS WHY THEY MAKE USE OF GSM.

ALTERNATIVES RESPONDENTS PERCENTAGE (%)

STAYING IN TOUCH 90 56

WITH FRIENDS

STAYING IN TOUCH 20 13

WITH FAMILY

DISCUSS SCHOOL 4O 25

WORK

OFFICE RELATED 10 6

WORK

TOTAL 160 100

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

60
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 90 56

MATTERS/AFFAIR

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,

61
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

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%).

62
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 18(11%) 24(15%) 42(26%)

TIMES

Cost efficiency 5(3%) 3(2%) 8(5%)

63
FOR FASHION 20(13%) 30(19%) 50(32%)

TOTAL 68(42%) 92(58%) 160(100%)

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
64
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 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
65
ALTERNATIVES MALE FEMALE TOTAL

STRONGLY AGREE 33(21%) 35(22%) 68(43%)

AGREE 12(8%) 24(15%) 36(23%)

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

factor influencing University Undergraduates in GSM usage and adoption. We

could therefore state that to a large extent, if gender can be a factor

66
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 60(38%) 90(56%) 150(94%)

LOVERS

LIE ABOUT A 56(35%) 78(49%) 138(84%)

LOCATION

NETWORK FRIENDS 63(39%) 85(53%) 148(92%)

PERSONAL SECURITY 45(28%) 56(35%) 101(63%)

TOTAL 68 92 160(100%)

67
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?

68
TABLE 12: DISTRIBUTION OF RESPONDENTS ON THE IMPACT OF GSM

ON UNIVERSITY UNDERGRADUATES

ALTERNATIVES MALE FEMALE TOTAL

IT MAKES 68(43%) 92(58%) 160(100%)

COMMUNICATION A

LOT EASIER

IT HELP TO ESTABLISH 68(43%) 92(58%) 160(100%)

AND MAINTAIN

RELATIONSHIP

IT PROMOTES LYING 50(31%) 66(41%) 116(72%)

IT REDUCES THE 45(28%) 56(35%) 101(63%)

69
NEED FOR

TRAVELLING

IT IS USEFUL IN 68 92 160(100%)

ACADEMIC PURSUITS

TOTAL 68 92 160(100%)

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

70
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

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

71
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

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

72
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

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%).

73
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

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

74
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

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.

75
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).

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
76
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

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 ,

77
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

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.

78
 CHAPTER FIVE

SUMMARY, CONCLUSION AND RECOMMENDATION

5.1 SUMMARY

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
79
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.

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

80
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

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.
81
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.

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.

82
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.

REFERENCES:

Aluko, M.E. “Resolving the telecommunications interconnectivity

battle in Nigeria”, available at
http://www.jidaw.com/itsolutions/telecomm1.html, (retrieved April, 2010 )

(The) Allen Consulting Group (2005), "Australian mobile

telecommunications association: economic significance", available at:
www.amta.org.au/amta/site/amta/downloads/pdfs_2005/AMTA%20Industry
%20Report%20%20Exec%20Summary%202005.pdf,

Aoki, K., Downes, E. J. (2004). An analysis of young peopleʹs use of

and attitudes toward cell phones.

83
 Attewell, J. (2005). Mobile technologies and learning: A technology
update and m-learning project summary. London: Learning and Skills
Development Agency. [Retrieved 5 Apr 2009]
http://www.lsneducation.org.uk/user/order.aspx?code=041923&src=XOWEB

170 Australasian Journal of Educational Technology, 2009, 25(2)

Bamba, F., Barnes, S.J. (2007), "SMS advertising, permission and

the consumer: a study", in Cheung,.W. and Foon,E, A review of research
methodologies used in studies on mobile handheld devices in K-12 and
higher education settings.

Barnes, S. (2002), "Wireless digital advertising: nature and

implications", in Cheung,.W. and Foon,E, A review of research
methodologies used in studies on mobile handheld devices in K-12 and
higher education settings.

Blake, M. (2004), “Growing mobile market in Africa” in Adomi, E.

(2006) : Mobile Phone Usage Patterns of Library and Information Science
Students at Delta State University, Abraka, Nigeria, electronic journal and
special librarianship vol 7 no,1

Biobaku,.O.M; (2008), A study of deception in global system of

mobile communication usage in Nigeria. International journal of broadcasting
and communication technology. Vol 1,no1 p120-143.

Bughin, J.R. (2004), "Using mobile phones to boost TV ratings", The

Mckinsey Quarterly, available at: www.mckinseyquarterly.com,

Carlson, P. J., Kahn, B. K., and Rowe, F. (1999). Organizational

Impacts of New Communication Technology: A Comparison of Cellular Phone
Adoption in France and the United States. Journal of Global Information
Management, 7(3), 19‐29.

84
 Castells, M., Mireia, F., Qiu, J., Sey, A. (2004). The Mobile
Communication Society. Research report for the International Workshop on
Wireless Communication Policies and Prospects: A Global Perspective.
Retrieved October 27, 2005 from
http://annenberg.usc.edu/international_communication/WirelessWorkshop/M
CS.pdf

Communication and vision 2010” (2003, October 21), Nigerian

Tribune, p.119

Cooper, G. (2002). Whoʹs watching whom? Monitoring and

accountability in mobile relations. In B. Brown, N. Green, and R. Harper,
(Eds.) Wireless world: social and interactional aspects of the mobile age.
London: Springer.

Churchill, D. & Churchill, N. (2007). Educational affordances of

PDAs: A study of a teacher’s exploration of this technology. Computers &
Education, 50, 1439-1450. [retrieved 5 Apr 2009]
http://www.pgce.soton.ac.uk/ict/SecondaryICT/PDFs/Educational
%20affordances%20 PDAs%20tescher%20exploration%20of%20technology
%20mobile.pdf

Cochrane, T. (2008). Mobile Web 2.0: The new frontier. In Hello!

Where are you in the landscape of educational technology? Proceedings
ascilite Melbourne
2008.http://www.ascilite.org.au/conferences/melbourne08/procs/cochrane.pd
f retrieved 5 April,2009

Corbeil, J. R. & Valdes-Corbeil, M. E. (2007). Are you ready for

mobile learning? Educause Quarterly, 30(2), 51-58.
http://www.educause.edu/ir/library/pdf/eqm0726.pdf retrieved 5 April,2009.

Corlett, D., Sharples, M., Bull, S. & Chan, T. (2005). Evaluation of a

mobile learning organizer for university students, in Cheung,.W. and Foon,E,
A review of research methodologies used in studies on mobile handheld
devices in K-12 and higher education settings.

85
 DeBaillon, L., Rockwell, P. (2005), "Gender and student-status
differences in cellular telephone use",

Dickinger, A., Haghirian, P., Murphy, J., Scharl, A. (2004), "An

investigation and conceptual model of SMS marketing", in Cheung,.W. and
Foon,E, A review of research methodologies used in studies on mobile
handheld devices in K-12 and higher education settings.

Ducoffe, R. (1995), "How consumers assess the value of

advertising" in Cheung,.W. and Foon,E, A review of research methodologies
used in studies on mobile handheld devices in K-12 and higher education
settings.

Duck, S. (1982). A Typography of Relationship Disengagement and

Dissolution. In: Personal relationships 4: Dissolving personal relationships, S.
Duck (ed.), pp. 1–30. London: Academic Press. in Cheung,.W. and Foon,E, A
review of research methodologies used in studies on mobile handheld
devices in K-12 and higher education settings.

Forbes (2006), "SMS still top service for Asia/Pacific mobile phone
users – IDC", Forbes, available at:
www.forbes.com/technology/feeds/afx/2006/03/03/afx2567774.html,
No.March 3,

Fishbein, M., Ajzen, I. (1975), Beliefs, Attitudes, Intention and

Behavior: An Introduction to Theory and Research, Addision-Wesley,
Reading, MA, .

Ferry, B. (2008). Using mobile phones to augment teacher learning

in environmental education. Where are you in the landscape of educational

86
technology? Proceedings ascilite Melbourne 2008.
http://www.ascilite.org.au/conferences/melbourne08/procs/ferry.pdf

Fujimura, N. & Doi, M. (2006). Collecting students' degree of

comprehension with mobile phones. in Cheung,.W. and Foon,E, A review of
research methodologies used in studies on mobile handheld devices in K-12
and higher education settings.

Ganger, A. C. & Jackson, M. (2003). Wireless handheld computers in

the preclinical undergraduate curriculum. Medical Education Online, 8(3).
http://www.med-edonline. org/pdf/t0000031.pdf

Gartner Press Release (2005). Gartner Says Mobile Phone Sales Will
Exceed One Billion in 2009. Retrieved April 11, 2006 from
http://www.gartner.com/press_releases/asset_132473_11.html

Grant, I., O'Donohoe, S. (2007), "Why young consumers are not

open to mobile marketing communication", International Journal of
Advertising, Vol. 26 No.2, pp.223-46.

Hennessy, S. (2000). Graphing investigations using portable

(palmtop) technology. in Cheung,.W. and Foon,E, A review of research
methodologies used in studies on mobile handheld devices in K-12 and
higher education settings.

Hofvenschiold, E. (2003). Determining Cultural Issues in Attitude to

and Use of Mobile Phones. in Cheung,.W. and Foon,E, A review of research
methodologies used in studies on mobile handheld devices in K-12 and
higher education settings.

Issac, H. , Nickerson, R., Tarasewich, P., (2004). Cell Phone Use in

Social Settings: Preliminary Results from a Study in the United States and
France. Proceedings of the DSI 2004 Annual Meeting. Retrieved October 3,
2005 from http://www.ccs.neu.edu/home/tarase/

87
 Jackson, M., Ganger, A. C., Bridge, P. D. & Ginsburg, K. (2005).
Wireless handheld computers in the undergraduate medical curriculum.
Medical Education Online, 10(5). http://www.meded-
online.org/pdf/t0000062.pdf

Katz, E. (1959), "Mass communication research and the study of

popular culture: an editorial note on a possible future for this journal",
Studies in Public Communication, Vol. 2 pp.1-6.

Katz, E., Gurevitch, M., Haas, H. (1973), "On the use of mass media
for important things", American Sociological Review, Vol. 38 pp.164-81.

Leung, L. (2007), "Unwillingness-to-communicate and college

students' motives in SMS mobile messaging", Telematics and Informatics,
Vol. 24 pp.115-29.

Leung, L., Wei, R. (2000), "More than just talk on the move: uses
and gratifications of cellular phone", Journalism and Mass Communication
Quaterly, Vol. 72 No.2, pp.308-20.

Lull, J. (1980), "The social uses of television", Human

Communication Research, Vol. 6 No.3, pp.197-209.

Maniar, N. (2007). M-learning to teach university students. In in

Cheung,.W. and Foon,E, A review of research methodologies used in studies
on mobile handheld devices in K-12 and higher education settings.

McQuail, D., Blumler, J.G., Brown, J.R. (1972), "The television

audience: a revised perspective", in McQuail, D. (Eds),Sociology of Mass
Communications, Harmondsworth, Penguin, .

Maignan, I., Lukas, B.A. (1997), "The nature and social uses of the
internet: a qualitative investigation", The Journal of Consumer Affairs, Vol. 31
No.2, pp.346-71.

NigeriaBusinessinfo.com (2003) “Revisiting Nigeria’s

telecommunications Industry”, available at
88
http:///www.nigeriabusinessinfo.com/telecoms080903.htm retrieved April
2009 ).

O'Donohoe, S. (1994), "Advertising uses and gratifications",

European Journal of Marketing, Vol. 28 No.8/9, pp.52-75.

Okazaki, S. (2007), "Exploring gender effects in a mobile

advertising context: on the evaluation of trust, attitudes, and recall", Sex
Roles, Vol. 57 pp.897-908.

Oki, P. T.; Etomi, G. and Partners, “Regulating the pricing of mobile

telecommunications services: the role of the Nigerian Telecommunications
Commission”, available at http://www.geplaw.com/telecoms_3.htm (accessed
5 August 2004).

Okoruwa, C. (2004, August 4), “Three years of GSM”, The Guardian,

p.5

Olney, I., Herrington, J. & Verenikina, I. (2008). iPods in early

childhood: Mobile technologies and story telling. In Hello! Where are you in
the landscape of educational technology? Proceedings ascilite Melbourne
2008. http://www.ascilite.org.au/conferences/melbourne08/procs/olney.pdf

Oliver, B. & Goerke, V. (2007). Australian undergraduates’ use and

ownership of emerging technologies: Implications and opportunities for
creating engaging learning experiences for the Net Generation in Cheung,.W.
and Foon,E, A review of research methodologies used in studies on mobile
handheld devices in K-12 and higher education settings.

Parker, B.J., Plank, R.E. (2000), "A uses and gratifications

perspective on the internet as a new information source", American Business
Review, Vol. 18 No.2, pp.43-9.

Peters, C., Amato, C.H., Hollenbeck, C.R. (2007), "An exploratory

investigation of consumers' perceptions of wireless advertising", Journal of
Advertising, Vol. 36 No.4, pp.129-45.

89
 Rheingold, H. (2002). Smart Mobs: The Next Social Revolution.
Cambridge, MA: Perseus Books/Basic Books.

Rodgers, Z. (2003), "Wireless marketers try to preempt spam

deluge", WirelessAdWatch, available at:
www.wirelessadwatch.com/news/2003/news20031203.shtml,

Scott, N. (2004), “New research findings point to high rates of

phone use eren in no or low service areas”, available at
http://www.balancingact-africa.com/news/back/balancing-act_203.html,
(accessed 4 May 2004)

Seppälä, P. & Alamäki, H. (2003). Mobile learning in teacher

training. in Cheung,.W. and Foon,E, A review of research methodologies used
in studies on mobile handheld devices in K-12 and higher education settings.

Sharples, M., Corlett, D., Bull, S., Chan, T. & Rudman, P. (2005). The
student learning organizer. in Cheung,.W. and Foon,E, A review of research
methodologies used in studies on mobile handheld devices in K-12 and
higher education settings.

Smith, E.R. & Mackie, D.M. (1995).Social Psychology. New York:

Worth Publishers

Townsend, A.M. (2002). Mobile communications in the twenty‐first

century city. In B. Brown, N. Green and R. Harper (eds.), Wireless World:
Social and Interactional Aspects of the Mobile Age,(2002), 62–77, Springer.

Watt, W. (2003) “Latest research in mobile phone use” in Adomi, E.

(2006) : Mobile Phone Usage Patterns of Library and Information Science

90
Students at Delta State University, Abraka, Nigeria, electronic journal and
special librarianship vol 7 no,1

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

91
 INSTRUCTION A

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 [ ]
92
 c. In the vehicle [ ]

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 [ ]

93
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 [ ]

94
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

95
 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
e. Strongly Disagree
96
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
………………………………………………….

2. Please indicate your age bracket

a. 15-18years [ ]
97
 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 [ ]

98