The social impact of mobile phones on teenagers

Abstract

Mobile infrastructure has changed during the past decade and this increase has become so apparent that you hardly ever come in contact with someone who does not possess a mobile phone or other mobile device. It is becoming increasingly easy and inexpensive for teenagers to contact friends and access information via their mobile phones (Reid and Reid 2007, p. 424). Therefore, the study on the social implications of mobile phones is extremely important when it comes to the future of our teenagers. A questionnaire was handed out to high school students in Cape Town to find out how mobile phones have affected their lifestyles. The social implications that mobile phones, and its applications have on teenagers were identified. The paper concludes with findings, divided into demographics, sexually explicit material and mobile instant messaging, that could prove useful to those directly involved in guiding teenagers to lead a more balanced lifestyle.