Is (the study of) mobile phones old wine in a new bottle? A polemic on communication-based acculturation research

2015 ◽  
Vol 28 (4) ◽  
pp. 806-824 ◽  
Author(s):  
Rajiv George Aricat
Keyword(s):  
Mobile Phone ◽  
Mobile Phones ◽  
Qualitative Interviews ◽  
Work Productivity ◽  
Snowball Sampling ◽  
Research Project ◽  
Labor Migrants ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Mobile Phone Usage ◽  
Mobile Phone Communication

Purpose – The purpose of this paper is to critically analyze the discourses on migrant acculturation and migrants’ mobile phone communication, in order to examine the inclusiveness of communication-acculturation research in the recent years. Design/methodology/approach – The paper draws on from 102 qualitative interviews (48 Malayali, 26 Bangla, 17 Tamil and 11 Telugu) for a larger research project that investigated the role of mobile phones in migrant acculturation in Singapore. Respondents were selected using a combination of purposive and snowball sampling methods. The respondents had been in Singapore for varying amount of time: from one month to 19 years. Findings – The analysis of the discourses on migrant acculturation and mobile phone communication revealed that labor migrants were excluded on the basis of their temporary status and apprehensions on work productivity. The mobile usage prohibitions that existed in work sites were hinged on similar discourses that stereotyped the labor migrants. The emancipatory metaphor that has been at the center of research on migrants’ mobile phone usage and acculturation needs to be replaced with a critical discourse perspective. Research limitations/implications – The data were originally collected for a research project that approached the phenomena of acculturation and mobile phone appropriation from a positivist perspective, whereas this paper analyzed the data to critically examine the discourses that supported the premise of the project itself. Due to this, the findings presented in this paper have limited scope for generalization. Originality/value – The paper critiques the research trends in migrant acculturation and mobile phone communication and suggests a possible alternative that goes beyond the “transcendental teleology” that underpins discourse and practice.

scholarly journals The mobile phone as an argument for good governance in sub-Saharan Africa

2019 ◽  
Vol 32 (4) ◽  
pp. 897-920 ◽  
Author(s):  
Simplice Asongu ◽  
Sara le Roux ◽  
Jacinta C. Nwachukwu ◽  
Chris Pyke
Keyword(s):  
Mobile Phone ◽  
Mobile Phones ◽  
Good Governance ◽  
Sub Saharan Africa ◽  
African Countries ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Empirical Inquiry ◽  
Governance Indicators ◽  
Sub Saharan ◽  
Mobile Phone Usage

Purpose The purpose of this paper is to present theoretical and empirical arguments for the role of mobile telephony in promoting good governance in 47 sub-Saharan African countries for the period 2000–2012. Design/methodology/approach The empirical inquiry uses an endogeneity-robust GMM approach with forward orthogonal deviations to analyze the linkage between mobile phone usage and the variation in three broad governance categories – political, economic and institutional. Findings Three key findings are established: first, in terms of individual governance indicators, mobile phones consistently stimulated good governance by the same magnitude, with the exception of the effect on the regulation component of economic governance. Second, when indicators are combined, the effect of mobile phones on general governance is three times higher than that on the institutional governance category. Third, countries with lower levels of governance indicators are catching-up with their counterparts with more advanced dynamics. Originality/value The study makes both theoretical and empirical contributions by highlighting the importance of various combinations of governance indicators and their responsiveness to mobile phone usage.

Mobile phones as a learning tool: a lecturer’s viewpoint

2018 ◽  
Vol 13 (2) ◽  
pp. 132-139 ◽  
Author(s):  
Tashfeen Ahmad
Keyword(s):  
Mobile Phone ◽  
Mobile Phones ◽  
Teaching And Learning ◽  
University Management ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Class Discussions ◽  
Lecture Room ◽  
The Caribbean ◽  
Mobile Phone Usage ◽  
The University

Purpose The purpose of this paper is to share a lecturer’s viewpoint on using mobile phone, as an academic tool, in the lecture room. Design/methodology/approach Students were encouraged to use their mobile phones and find information during the author’s class discussions, at the University of the West Indies – Mona Campus. At the end of the semester, the author asked the students if they found mobile phone, a distraction, in their learning process and did they enjoy using them. These questions were asked to understand their perspective, about mobile phone usage during class discussions. Findings The finding is that respondents did not see mobile phone usage in lecture room as a distraction as they learn and they also enjoyed using them. Originality/value Students’ opinion on using mobile phone as an academic tool at the University level has not been explored before in Jamaica. This viewpoint provides the lecturers and university management an opportunity to rethink the existing rules, towards mobile phone usage in class, in an effort to enhance teaching and learning in the Caribbean context particularly in Jamaica.

scholarly journals 0013 Mobile Device Use in Bed and Relationships to Work Productivity: Impact of Anxiety

SLEEP ◽  
2020 ◽  
Vol 43 (Supplement_1) ◽  
pp. A5-A5
Author(s):  
A Gozar ◽  
A Seixas ◽  
L Hale ◽  
C Branas ◽  
M Barrett ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Mobile Phone ◽  
Mobile Device ◽  
Productivity Loss ◽  
Work Productivity ◽  
Well Being ◽  
Mobile Phone Use ◽  
Mediating Role ◽  
Mobile Phone Usage ◽  
Device Use ◽  
Healthy Activity

Abstract Introduction Mobile phone use at night is associated with worse sleep quality. It may also be associated with daytime productivity, possibly via anxiety. Methods Data were obtained from the Sleep and Healthy Activity, Diet, Environment, and Socialization (SHADES) study, including N=1007 adults age 22–60. Mobile device use in bed was assessed as the frequency that participants reported: a device in the bedroom, use of the device in bed, texting, emails, internet browsing, calls, and/or social networking in bed, being woken up by the device in a planned (alarm) or unplanned (alert/call/message) way, and checking the phone at night. Each of these were coded as “never,” “rarely,” or “often.” Work productivity was assessed with the Well-Being Assessment of Productivity (WBA-P; scores 0–22 measure productivity loss). Regressions with WBA-P score as outcome and mobile phone variables as predictors were adjusted for age, sex, race/ethnicity, education, and income level. Post-hoc analyses included GAD7 score to examine the mediating role of anxiety. Results The presence of a device was not associated with productivity loss, but frequent use (“often”) was (B=1.26,p=0.01). Increased productivity loss was also seen in those who frequently (“often”) sent texts (B=1.20,p=0.008), browsed internet (B=1.14,p=0.01), emailed (B=2.09,p<0.0005), called (B=1.42,p=0.004), and used social media (B=1.26,p=0.004). Productivity loss was associated with being woken by a call/alert “rarely” (B=1.20,p=0.001) or “often” (B=1.72,p=0.005), but not by alarm. Checking the phone at night “rarely” (B=0.89,p=0.01) and “often” (B=1.73,p<0.0005) were also associated with productivity loss. When anxiety was entered into the model, all relationships except those with frequent emails and calls in bed became nonsignificant. Conclusion Anxiety may be the underlying cause for both increased mobile phone usage and reduced productivity. Reducing anxiety levels may indirectly aid in decreasing nighttime mobile phone use and increasing daytime productivity. Support The SHADES study was funded by R21ES022931 Dr. Grandner is supported by R01MD011600

scholarly journals Relationships Between the Usage of Televisions, Computers, and Mobile Phones and the Quality of Sleep in a Chinese Population: Community-Based Cross-Sectional Study (Preprint)

2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
Yao Jie Xie ◽  
Daphne SK Cheung ◽  
Alice Y Loke ◽  
Bernice L Nogueira ◽  
Karry M Liu ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Sleep Quality ◽  
Mobile Phone ◽  
Mobile Phones ◽  
Chinese Population ◽  
Cross Sectional Study ◽  
Computer Usage ◽  
Tv Viewing ◽  
Community Based ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Mobile Phone Usage

BACKGROUND No study has comprehensively investigated the association between the usage of typical screen-based electronic media devices and sleep quality in a Chinese population with individuals in a wide range of ages. OBJECTIVE This study aimed to understand the characteristics of television (TV) viewing, computer usage, and mobile phone usage in a representative Chinese population in Macau and to examine their roles in predicting the variations in sleep quality. METHODS This cross-sectional study was an analysis of 1500 Macau residents aged 15 to 90 years based on a community-based health needs assessment study entitled, “Healthy Living, Longer Lives.” Data collection was conducted in 7 districts of Macau from 2017 to 2018 through face-to-face interviews. The durations of daily TV viewing, computer usage, and mobile phone usage were recorded in a self-administered questionnaire. The Chinese version of the Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index (PSQI) was used to assess the sleep quality. RESULTS The prevalence of TV, computer, and mobile phone usage was 78.4% (1176/1500), 51.6% (769/1490), and 85.5% (1276/1492), respectively. The average daily hours of usage were 1.75 (1.62), 1.53 (2.26), and 2.85 (2.47) hours, respectively. Females spent more time watching TV (<i>P</i>=.03) and using mobile phones (<i>P</i>=.02) and less time on the computer (<i>P</i>=.04) as compared to males. Older adults were more likely to watch TV while young people spent more time using the computer and mobile phones (<i>P</i> for all trends&lt;.001). The mean PSQI global score was 4.79 (2.80) among the participants. Females exhibited significantly higher PSQI scores than males (5.04 vs 4.49, respectively; <i>P</i>&lt;.001). No linear association was observed between the PSQI score and the amount of time spent on the 3 electronic devices (<i>P</i>=.58 for PSQI-TV, <i>P</i>=.05 for PSQI-computer, and <i>P</i>=.52 for PSQI-mobile phone). Curve estimation showed significant quadratic curvilinear associations in PSQI-TV (<i>P</i>=.003) and PSQI-computer (<i>P</i>&lt;.001) among all the participants and in PSQI-mobile phone among youths (age, 15-24 years; <i>P</i>=.04). After adjustment of the gender, age, body mass index, demographics, and lifestyle factors, more than 3 hours of TV viewing and 4 hours of computer usage or mobile phone usage was associated with 85% (95% CI 1.04-1.87; <i>P</i>=.008), 72% (95% CI 1.01-2.92; <i>P</i>=.045), and 53% (95% CI 1.06-2.22; <i>P</i>=.03) greater odds of having poor sleep quality (PSQI score&gt;5), respectively. CONCLUSIONS The mobile phone was the most popular screen-based electronic device used in the Macau population, especially among young people. “J” shape associations were observed between sleep quality and the duration of TV viewing, computer usage, and mobile phone usage, indicating that the extreme use of screen-based electronic devices predicted poorer sleep status, whereas moderate use would be acceptable.

The Impact of Mobile Phones on Teenagers' Socialization and Emancipation

2015 ◽  
pp. 12-24
Author(s):  
Kalogeraki Stefania ◽  
Papadaki Marina
Keyword(s):  
Mobile Phone ◽  
Mobile Phones ◽  
Parental Monitoring ◽  
Peer Group ◽  
Monitoring And Control ◽  
Group Interactions ◽  
The One ◽  
And Control ◽  
The Impact ◽  
Mobile Phone Communication

The mobile phone has become an indispensable mean of communication in the world today, and for teenagers specifically has become de rigueur in everyday life. The eagerness of teenagers to embrace mobile devices can be associated with such devices' instrumental as well as social and expressive functions. However, these functions are intertwined with critical impacts on the interaction between teenagers and parental/peer groups. On the one hand, the mobile phone acts as a symbolic “umbilical cord” that provides a permanent channel of communication, intensifying parental surveillance. On the other hand, it creates a greater space for interaction with peers beyond parental monitoring and control. This article summarizes current research and presents an empirical example of the impact of teenagers' mobile phone communication on the dynamics of parental and peer group interactions during their socialization and emancipation from the familial sphere.

Health Effects of Mobile Phone Usage

2015 ◽  
pp. 607-629
Author(s):  
Angelo Levis ◽  
Laura Masiero ◽  
Paolo Orio ◽  
Susan Biggin ◽  
Spiridione Garbisa
Keyword(s):  
Mobile Phone ◽  
Health Effects ◽  
Mobile Phones ◽  
Health Risks ◽  
Critical Analysis ◽  
Radiofrequency Radiation ◽  
Head Tumors ◽  
Chronic Effects ◽  
Mobile Phone Usage ◽  
Acute And Chronic Effects

Uncertainty about the association between health risks and exposure to radiofrequency radiation emitted by cellular and cordless mobile phones can be addressed by a critical analysis of the methodology used in studies assessing this relationship. Studies funded by cellphone companies give reassuring conclusions but are affected by biases and flaws, whereas public-funded studies are without these errors and show acute and chronic effects, including head tumors, findings supported by biological evidence.

Mobile Fractal Generation

2011 ◽  
pp. 399-413 ◽  
Author(s):  
Daniel C. Doolan ◽  
Sabin Tabirca ◽  
Laurence T. Yang
Keyword(s):  
Mobile Phone ◽  
Ubiquitous Computing ◽  
Mobile Devices ◽  
Mobile Phones ◽  
New Age ◽  
Mandelbrot Set ◽  
Processing Task ◽  
The Past ◽  
Fractal Images ◽  
Mobile Phone Usage

Ever since the discovery of the Mandelbrot set, the use of computers to visualise fractal images have been an essential component. We are looking at the dawn of a new age, the age of ubiquitous computing. With many countries having near 100% mobile phone usage, there is clearly a potentially huge computation resource becoming available. In the past years there have been a few applications developed to generate fractal images on mobile phones. This chapter discusses three possible methodologies whereby such images can be visualised on mobile devices. These methods include: the generation of an image on a phone, the use of a server to generate the image and finally the use of a network of phones to distribute the processing task.

From “Codeine Diet” to “Gutter Water”: polydrug use among Nigerian young adults

2020 ◽  
Vol 20 (2) ◽  
pp. 95-107 ◽  
Author(s):  
Emeka W. Dumbili ◽  
Emmanuel Ezekwe ◽  
Ogochukwu Winifred Odeigah
Keyword(s):  
Young Adults ◽  
Illicit Drugs ◽  
Soft Drink ◽  
Qualitative Interviews ◽  
Snowball Sampling ◽  
Law Enforcement Agencies ◽  
Polydrug Use ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Polysubstance Use ◽  
Cough Syrup

Purpose The purpose of this paper is to explore polydrug use and the factors that motivate the use of multiple substances among selected young adults. Design/methodology/approach A total of 23 male and female participants (aged 23-29 years) who use illicit drugs and prescription pharmaceuticals for non-medical purposes were recruited through snowball sampling. Qualitative interviews were conducted, and the data were analysed thematically. Findings The use of drug “concoctions” and cocktails was widespread among the participants. Some used what they called Codeine Diet (codeine-based cough syrup mixed with a Coca-Cola® product or malt drink), while others took Gutter Water (a cocktail of cannabis, codeine, tramadol, vodka and juice or water). The use of Monkey Tail (a mixture of local gin, cannabis leaves, stems, roots and seeds) and petrol mixed with glue and La Casera® (carbonated soft drink) combined with Tom-Tom® (menthol-flavoured candy) was also revealed. Pleasure, better highs, the need to experience prolonged intoxication and the use of one drug to douse the effects of another substance motivated polysubstance use. Social implications The findings revealed that the reasons why codeine-based cough syrups are mixed with soft drinks (Codeine Diet) include avoiding social discrimination and evading law enforcement agencies. Results suggest that these drug use practices require specifically tailored public health interventions. Social stigmatization against substance users and the use of extra-legal measures by the police should be discouraged to facilitate harm reduction. Originality/value This study represents the first qualitative research to explore polydrug use among an understudied Nigerian population.

scholarly journals Healthcare Professionals Perception of Mobile Phone Usage and Hand Hygiene Adhesion in Intensive Care Units

2020 ◽  
Vol 41 (S1) ◽  
pp. s346-s346
Author(s):  
Evelyn Sanchez ◽  
Lauro Perdigão-Neto ◽  
Sânia Alves dos Santos ◽  
Camila Rizek ◽  
Maria Renata Gomez ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Intensive Care ◽  
Hand Hygiene ◽  
Mobile Phone ◽  
Mobile Phones ◽  
Hand Hygiene Compliance ◽  
Healthcare Professionals ◽  
Molecular Testing ◽  
First Choice ◽  
Mobile Phone Usage ◽  
Hygiene Compliance

Background: The introduction of new technologies into the medical field has the duality of improvement and concerns about correct usage and cleaning. Mobile phones are used by healthcare professionals (HCPs) in the work place, and there is not an official policy about their use in health environment. Methods: We asked 60 intensive care unit (ICU) HCPs from 2 units (the burn unit and the internal medicine unit) to participate in an electronic survey about mobile phone usage and hand hygiene compliance; we also cultured the hands and mobile phones of the participants. Unfortunately, 13 HCPs did not participate. Susceptibility testing of the strains was conducted, as well as molecular testing. Results: Overall, 47 HCPs responded to the inquiry: 19% were nurses (9 of 47), 19% were resident physicians (9 of 47), 17% were nursery technicians (8 of 47), 17% were physiotherapists (8 of 47), 13% were cleaning staff (6 of 47), 11% were consultants (5 of 47), and 4% were technicians (2 of 47). Moreover, 26 of 47 participants (55%) were woman and 21 (45%) were men. From all HCP categories, 39 of 47 respondents (83%) reported that they had optimal hand hygiene compliance. However, 92% of respondents had a colonized hand and 90% had a colonized mobile phone. Also, 44 of 47 HCPs (94%) reported that the took their personal mobile phone into the workplace; 40 (85%) reported that they used it during the work day and 35 (74%) reported that they cleaned it. However, 8 HCPs (26%) reported that they had never cleaned the device. All of the HCPs understood that mobile phones can harbor bacteria, and 27 of 47 HCPs (57.45%) indicated that they use 70% alcohol to clean their mobile phones. In contrast, the first choice for hand hygiene was water and soap in 51% of HCPs (24 of 47). Also, 3 HCPs did not have any colonization in the hand culture but had healthcare-associated infection (HAI) pathogens in the mobile phone culture. Conclusions: A policy regarding mobile phone usage in the healthcare setting should be in place, and cleaning of electronic devices in hospitals should be standardized.Funding: NoneDisclosures: NoneFunding: NoneDisclosures: None

Sign in / Sign up

Export Citation Format

Share Document