Mobile Phone and Short Message Service Appropriation, Usage and Behavioral Issues among University Students

Problem statement: This study aims to explore mobile phone and Short Message Service (SMS) usage among urbanized Malaysian youth. Uses and Gratification theory was used to explore mobile phone purchasing factors, reasons to use mobile phone and SMS, usage pattern and behavioral issues related to mobile phone and SMS. Structured questionnaire surveys and 24 h diaries were distributed to 417 students. Results show respondents consider brand, trend and price to be the three most important purchasing factors while socializing and privacy are the two most important reasons to use mobile phones. SMS is mostly used to organize social appointments and to keep in touch with families and friends. Behavioral issues related to over-dependence and inappropriate use of mobile phones and SMS were also observed among the respondents. Conclusion/Recommendations: The findings of this study could be beneficial to those exploring mobile phone and SMS adoption and usage pattern in a developing country such as Malaysia.