An Evaluation of Smartphone Usage and Social Interaction of Delta State University Students, Abraka

Abstract

Information and Communication Technology has woven into human lives as it is nearly inseparable from it. It has drastically affected the way things are done either by reinventing or increasing their efficiency. Inevitably, Information technologies have also reinvented how social interactions are carried out and in extreme cases introduced myriads of modernized and globalized forms of communication. The study evaluated Smartphone usage and social interaction of Delta State University students. A survey method was used to collect responses from 450 respondents from the Faculty's whole student body. The data collected was analyzed using linear regression (ANOVA). The Technology Acceptance Model and Symbolic Interaction theories were used to guide the research. The research shows that the frequency and pattern of smartphone use by students at the Faculty of Social Sciences is influenced their social interactions with family and friends; there was no significant effect of smartphone use on students' academic activities; and the brands of phones owned by students influenced their social interactions. It is recommended that students should utilize their smartphones for academic activity more; students should strike a balance between using smartphones for personal and academic objectives and University administration should give internet access for students.

Keywords: Smartphones, Social Interaction, Usage, Students, Brands

DOI: 10.7176/JIEA/13-1-02

Publication date: February 28^th 2023