Underlying Differences In College Students Usage of Mobile Devices

In today’s age, the use of technology as a means of communication appears to be increasing at an alarming rate. In the study, The Effect of Gender, Ethnicity and Income on College Students’ Use of Communication Technologies, conveyed that although communication technologies are very popular among college students there are differences in who own and use them.  They measured the different patterns in student usage of cell phones and instant messaging. They focused on three main differences: gender, ethnicity, and income. Results illustrated that females and white students were more than twice as likely to own a cell phone then men and African American students. Students income that ranged from $100,000 to $139,000 were more than three times as likely to own a cell phone then those with lower incomes. Nonetheless, African American females from higher income families were seen to have a higher text message activity and spent a greater amount on their cell phones per week.

 College students are evident to be higher cell phone users as a means of communication for several reasons. Many use them for safety and to keep in contact with friends and family. Technological advances have also contributed to the increasing usage of cell phones. With the introduction of “smart phones” making it easier for students to stay connected to the Internet, cell phones are more popular than ever. Cell phones are creating easier access to social networks and communication through instant messaging and text messaging.

 As in regard to the measurements conducted in the study, it was shown the men and women use technologies in different ways. Female college students are more likely to use the Internet for academic purposes, compared to males who play games and look up news and sports. As far as ethnicity and income, they appear to have created a technological gap. It is said that white and Asian American students are more likely to use the Internet more than other genders and ethnicities. Overall the study concluded that women owned and used communication technology more than men. Women spent more time on their cell phones and sent more text messages than men. The study also examined that ethnic differences produced a difference in technological usage and how they use this technology.