Are mobile phones becoming multifunctional devices for young

Latinos in Argentina?

By

Prof. Laura Vaillard

(ICOS – Pontificia Universidad Católica Argentina)
laura.vaillard@gmail.com

I would like to thank the collaboration of my team at the ICOS department (Institute de
Comunicación Social, Periodismo y Publicidad) of Pontificia Universidad, Católica
Argentina: Dra. Teresa Riccitelli, Prof. Paula Marzulli y Prof. Gabriel Curi.

I would also like to give thanks for the collaboration and financing of Dr. Alan B.
Albarran and his team at the Center for Spanish Language Media de University of North
Texas, USA.

I would also like to give thanks for the collaboration and cooperation of the teams of the
other universities involved in this investigation: Aldo Van Weezel (Universidad de los
Andes, Chile), Germán Arango (Universidad de La Sabana, Colombia); Dra. María Elena
Gutiérrez (Universidad Panamericana de Guadalajara, Mexico), Dra. Eileen Hudson
(Universidad de Monevideo, Uruguay).

Vaillard, 1
Outline

Abstract 3

Introduction 4-6

Purpose and procedure 7-9

Results 9-20

First Stage: Focus groups 9-16

Focus groups general conclusions 9-11

Preferred functions 11

Mobile phone as a multipurpose device 11-13

Change/reposition of device and level of investment 14-15

Knowledge about the mobile device 15

Second stage: surveys 17-20

Strengths and weaknesses 20

Conclusion 20-21

Vaillard, 2
ABSTRACT

The purpose of this investigation is to determine how young Latinos between 18 and 25
years old use mobile phones to watch videos, surf the web, send text messages, listen to
the radio or Mp3s, take pictures, among other things, in Argentina, Chile, Colombia,
Mexico, United States and Uruguay. However, on this paper we will only discuss the
results found in Argentina.

During the first stage, researches conducted focus groups that rejected the original
hypothesis, demonstrating that in Argentina young adults change their mobile phones out
of necessity rather than to access the latest technology. On the send stage, each
participating university conducted surveys that confirmed the results of the first stage,
and showed that even though many young Latinos have mobile phones with internet
access, Mp3 players, radio, photo and video cameras, they prefer to use devices
specialized for these purposes instead of their mobile phones.

Vaillard, 3
INTRODUCCIÓN

“Mobile phones, regardless of how sophisticated they are or seem to be, they
don’t cease to be personal radio transmitters,” wrote Jorge Isi (2008) in his essay
Telefonía Celular1. However, due to technological advances, they ceased to be
unidirectional transmitters like to radio, to become dual transmitters that allow users to
send and receive large volumes of information fast and with high quality. Mobile phones’
developers have taken advantage of these characteristics to integrate functionalities of
different devices into one, transforming mobile phones into multifunctional devices.

First generation (1G) mobile phones2 were devices with analogical technology
designed only to guarantee voice transmission; they did not permit the transfer of large
quantities of data using a show connection of about 2400 bauds. At the same time, since
transfer channels were based on FDMA (Frequency Division Multiple Access), there was
a limited number of assigned protocols which limited the market’s potential size. The
first models, like Motorola DynaTAC designed by Martin Cooper n 1973, weighted about
1 kilogram (2.2 punds) and was about 25 centimeters high (9.8 inches); it could be
transported and it enabled users to make a wireless communication. However, it was a
large and uncomfortable device available for few people who could afford its high price.

Second generation (2G) mobile phones3, resides calling, allowed users to send
alphanumerical messages (text messages), they had a better voice transmission quality
and offered the possibility to surf the web through WAP (Wireless Access Protocol). At
the same time, since they replaced analogical with digital technology, they became
cheaper and new smaller, more transportable and comfortable devices were designed. At
this point they became mass consumer products, accessible for the entire population. At
the same time, since these generation of phones utilized TDMA ((Time Division Multiple

1
Isi, Jorge. “Ensayo: Telefonía celular.” September 22, 2008.
2
Idem,
3
Idem.

Vaillard, 4
Access) more users could be connected to the net at the same time, expanding the
market’s capacity. GSM (Global System for Mobile Communications) was the main
technology for this type of mobile phones.

Before the arrival of third generation (3G) mobile phones 2.5G phones appeared.
Even though they are part of a generation that does not have an official classification,
they served as a transition towards 3G phones. As Isi (2008) expresses, many
telecommunications service providers were forced to move into 2.5G networks before
moving into 3G network. The 2.5G phone allowed better data transmission that the
second generation and were more economical than 3G. These cell phones utilize General
Packet Radio Service (GPRS) that allow the user to share data through the same channel,
helping expand the market’s capacity, improving data transmission quality and increasing
the amount of information users could share between them. The data transmission system
improved even more with the implementation of the EDGE system (Enhanced Data rates
applied to GSM Evolution), which added a system of frequency modulation GPRS
(General Packet Radio Service).4

With the arrival of the third generation5 (3G), phones of advanced technology
built on a digital platform that permitted used to send and receive data fast due to its
transmission through a greater bandwidth. They ceased to be exclusive platforms for
voice and text transmission, and they became multipurpose devices. Different from other
generation mobile phones, three different 3G technologies co-exist nowadays: Europe
utilizes UMTS system (Universal Mobile Telecommunication System) broad band (W-
CDMA). The second system is CDMA2000 1xEV-DO (Evolution Data Only) that
combined CDMA technologies to make it compatible with the previously mentioned
system; it also works with TDMA technology to gain better transfer speed (speed of
3.1Mbps over 2Mbps of the European system). The third system for 3G phones is known
as TD-SCDMA (Time Division Synchronous CDMA) and was developed in China for
the countries of the region.

4
Isi, Jorge. “Ensayo: Telefonía celular.” September 22, 2008.
5
Idem.

Vaillard, 5
 These new characteristics of the last generation mobile phone, has not only
improved the quality of data transmission and has expanded the volume of information
that can be exchanged via mobile phones, but it has also given it the capacity to add new
functionalities to it. Trends indicate that mobile phones are becoming multifunction
devices, that is, unique units that include all the functionalities of various devices in one;
a unique apparatus that allows the user to speak, exchange text messages, watch videos,
take pictures, check their mail, and surf the web, among many other things. 6

6
Sánchez Vicente, Teresa. “Nuevas tendencias en la telefonía celular”. Agencia EFE. March 2008. <
http://latino.msn.com/especiales/tecnologia/articles/articlepage.aspx?cp-documentid=6595161>.

Vaillard, 6
PURPOSE AND PROCEDURE

In this study, the researchers analyzed how young adults between 18 and 25 years
old use mobile phones and specifically sought to study if this group utilizes all the
features of their phones.

The investigation was divided in two stages. During the first stage, researchers
organized two focus groups coordinated by a specialist: the first group was conformed by
five men and three women, while the second group was composed of five women and
three men. All participants were university students, primarily from Pontificia
Universidad Católica Argentina, owner of mobile phones of different generations.

The questions for the focus groups were written and organized by Dr. Alan B.
Albarran from the “Center for Spanish Language Media” de University of North Texas
and his team, in order to create coherence in data collection among the different
participating countries: Argentina, Colombia, Chile, Mexico, United States and Uruguay.
The original questionnaire was written in English and they translated to Spanish by the
ICOS team of Pontificia Universidad Católica Argentina.

The questionnaire served as a guide the start a discussion about how young
participants use their cell phones on a daily basis. The sessions were recorded on audio
and video so researchers could carefully analyze the information a posteriori. Each team
of investigators of the universities involved analyzed the results of the focus groups they
conducted, wrote a report and shared the results to the Center for Spanish Language
Media at the University of North Texas, so they could analyze the information and draw
conclusions. The results and information collected on the first stage were then used to
design the surveys for the second stage.

During the second stage, the research team at Argentina conducted 202 surveys to
young adults between 18 and 25 years old. The sample was composed of males (49%)

Vaillard, 7
and females (51%). Their age distribution was: 18 years old (8%), 19 years old (16%), 20
years old (25%), 21 years old (14%), 22 years old (14%), 23 years old (11%), 24 years
old (5%) y 25 years old (7%). Most of the participants were university students at
Pontificia Universidad Católica Argentina, which prevents the results from being
generalized to describe the tendencies of the entire population. For that purpose the study
should be repeated using a random sample of participants.

The survey utilized during the second stage was also designed by the team of the
“Center for Spanish Language Media” of University of North Texas and then translated
by the team of Universidad de los Andes en Chile. The survey was composed of 33
questions: 10 raking questions, 4 open ended questions, and 19 multiple choice questions
where the participant had to mark the option that besr suited his/her opinion on a specific
subject.

The first set of questions was designed to learn about the cell phone of each
respondent; characteristics and applications of the devices and how they used them. The
second part of the survey sought to understand the feelings the participants had towards
their mobile phones. The third part of the survey was intended to compare the use of
mobile phones versus other devices like TV, Mp3 player, radio, computer, laptop and
video games console, to consume different types of information. The last section was
aimed at gathering demographical information.

The surveys were conducted incide the Pontificia Universidad Católica Argentina
and its surrounding. The participants were informed that the survey was part of a joint
research between universities of Argentina, Chile, Colombia, Mexico, United States and
Uruguay about the use of mobile phones among young Latinos, they were asked it they
were willing to participate and were later thanked for their participation.

The “Center for Spanish Language Media” of the University of North Texas sent
coding instructions in English to ensure that all participating universities coded and
analyzed the data the same way, in other to easily cross-compare the results among the

Vaillard, 8
different countries. The ICOS team translated the instructions that were then utilized by
the different participating universities.

RESULTS

First Stage: Focus Groups

General conclusions for focus groups

The results of the focus groups offered interesting data with respect to the use of
mobile phone among young adults at Pontificia Universidad Católica Argentina.

The focus groups shows that the young Argentinean adults between 18 and 25
years old who participated, use their mobile phones frequently. However, event though
many of them have mobile phone with advanced technology that includes video and
picture camera, radio, Mp3 player and access to the Internet, they prefer to use mobile
hones for their traditional purpose: to call and exchange text messages. They tend to use
specialized devices for other purposes like: listing to music, taking pictures, or surfing the
web, for example. Many of these young participants are not familiar with all the
functionalities of their phones, which limits them to reach the full potential of the devices
and they do not show interest to become familiar with them These results refuted the
original hypothesis that expected to find young adults use their mobile phones as
multifunctional devices.

The results of the focus groups also demonstrated that, contrary to what
researchers believed, the young participants are not the ones who take to decision to buy
their first mobile phone. Instead, for the most part, it is their parents who motivate the
initial purchase for safety reasons, to be able to reach them at any time and to feel more
calm.

Vaillard, 9
 Participants expressed they feel mobile phones gives them more autonomy, since
they allow them to communicate privately with friends, without interfering with family
ties of containment and security. They also said they use the mobile phone differently to
communicate with their family members and friends. They said they find it easier to call
their parents, since many parents don’t read the text messages, either because they don’t
know how to use to function or find them less relevant. On the other hand, they use text
messages to “socialize” with friends because they are cheaper, especially when they have
to ask them something specific, arrange a meeting, or announce they have reached a
place. They also use text messages when they need to reach many people at the same
time through the multiple recipients function.

Those who do not subscribed to a plan, prefer to use SMS instead of calling to
save money, while those participants who have pre-paid plans prefer text messages
because they find them more practical. Participants also highlighted that the choice of
texting versus calling also depends on the situation and the locations. For example, they
use text messages when they are in a noisy place like a disco club or pub, public
transportation, or silent places like the library or class. They also use text messages to
confirm information, but they point out it should not turn into a chat; if they perceive they
have send many messages to the same person about a specific subject, they prefer to call
to finish the conversation. Participants recognize that when they meet a person for the
first time they prefer to have the first approach through a text message. In this instance,
the text message serves as a desinhibiting factor that promoted the interaction and
reduced the fear of rejection and ridicule.
In general, participants mentioned they send about 5-8 messages a days (during
workdays, between Monday and Friday) with a minimum of 1-2 messages a day, and
between 15 to 20 messages during the weekend.

Preffered functions

These young adults use their mobile phones primarily to call and send messages.
Other utilized functions are flashlight, calculator, clock and the alarm clock. These

Vaillard, 10
functions characterize first and second generation phones, which demonstrated the lack of
interest in more advanced technologies.

Mobile phone as a multifunctional device

The results of the focus groups show the participants do not perceive the mobile
phone as a integrating device; they prefer to use devices designed for each function rather
than mobile phones: a camera to take pictures of film an iPod7 or Mp3 player to listen to
music, for example. They perceive that cell phones do not have good quality of sound,
they do not take pictures with good definition and do not have enough space to store all
the pictures they have taken, or to keep all the music they want to listed to. They also find
it hard to upload music to their cell phones. They generally use their mobile phones to
call or send/receive text messages and only occasionally, when they forget their cameras
or Mp3 players they use the mobile phones for something other than their traditional
functions. At the same time, the participants think they use up their battery so then, they
don’t have enough to use the functions they really need: calling or sending text messages.

The participants are aware that they have Internet access, but they don’t know
how to use it and show little interest to learn more about this function. They also feel
unmotivated due to the slow connection and they are unwilling to pay an additional fee to
connect via cell phones; they do not have an urgency to do it and prefer to connect
through the computer because the screen is bigger, it is more comfortable and it has a
better connection.

7
Ipod: una marca de reproductores portátiles multimedia diseñados y comercializados a nivel mundial por
Apple Inc. Desde octubre de 2001. “iPod”. Apple Store. <http://www.apple.com/es/ipod
classic/specs.html>.

Vaillard, 11
 Only one of the participants owned an iPhone8. This young participant is very
aware of the device’s functionalities and uses most of them. This user compares the
iPhone with a computer and even learnt to synchronize the device with the personal
computer at home and to control it through the iPhone. This participant was known as
“the technological” among her friends. She finds the iPhone useful to entertain herself as
well as to meet her student obligation.

The owner of the iPhone highlights the possibility to reproduce movies through
her mobile phone and she was the only participant who used a mobile phone to watch and
download videos. On the other hand, the other participants think it is not convenient to
watch videos using their mobile phones because the screen is too small and it makes it
hard to watch movies in groups. At the same time, they mention that if they are at home,
they prefer to watch videos through the TV or the computer rather than from their mobile
phones.

While the owner of the iPhone appeared interested in her device’s functionalities
and utilizes most of them, the other participants did not show interest to learn to use the
iPhone nor the functionalities of other multifunctional phones. At the same time,
particularly in Argentina, due to safety reasons, participants prefer less technologically
advanced and cheaper devices to prevent theft and to feel free to use them anywhere.

When researchers asked participants what functionalities they would like to add to
their cell phones, they said they would like them to have flashlights (like Nokia 1100)
since they find it useful when they watch to find something in the car or when they try to
open their house door late at night. Those participants who did not have Mp3 players on
their mobile phones preferred Mp3 players over radio. However, as mentioned earlier few
of the participants who have this function actually use it.

8 iPhone: es un teléfono celular multimedia con tecnología 3G, conexión a internet, cámara de fotos y
video, GPS, reproductor de MP3, pantalla táctil y hardware minimalista. “iPhone”. Apple Store. <
http://www.apple.com/es/iphone/>.

Vaillard, 12
 Singly, other possible functions that emerged were: video conference (especially
for those people who live far away from their parents and friends), water Prof. case, web
access to watch TV contents (especially those shows they follow on a regular basis and
they don’t want to miss), design programs (e.g.: Photoshop) and a touch screen with a
pen to draw on the cell phone.

The participants also mentioned they World like to have equipments with more
memory, a high definition screen, and better picture and video resolution. They consider
that once mobile phones have these characteristics they will become multifunctional
devices. Until this happens, they said they will continue to use specialized devices for
each particular activity.

Apart from the subjects determined by the Center for Spanish Language Media of
University of North Texas for the focus groups, other themes related to mobile phones
usage emerged that are highlighted bellow.

Change/reposition of device and level of investment

Participants expressed that in most cases, they decide the change their cell phones
out of necessity due to damage, loss or theft and not necessarily to seek a device with
more advanced functionalities. Contrarily to what researchers expected, participants said
they do not view cell phones as a status symbol, as was the case with first and second
generation mobile phones. Therefore, when they change their phones, it does not
necessarily imply a technological advance. For example, when they get their cell phones
stolen they prefer to invest in an older model, or a cheaper one with less functionalities
for fear of experiencing a new loss. Whenever possible, in case of loss, theft or
misplacement, they prefer to use mobile phones their friends or family members no
longer use instead of buying a new device.

Vaillard, 13
 As we mentioned before, in general, the parents are the ones who introduce them
to mobile phones in order to feel safer and to locate them at any time. In case of those
participants who live away from their parents, the use of mobile phones strengthens
family ties and helps them keep frequent contact despite the distance, even though they
confess at times this takes some freedom away from them.

Once young adults become independent and start making their own decisions,
they choose to acquire mobile phones as a symbol of emancipation and freedom, because
it is a device of private use. Young participants said they perceive cell phones give them
psychological and social autonomy even though they maintain strong ties with their
parents who provide them safety and support. Since the cell phone is a device of private
use, the caller is certain of who will answer, participants said they feel free to speak with
the pears without their parent’s filter.

According to the information provided by the focus groups, nowadays the newest
model of cell phone is not longer a symbol of status among young participants in
Argentina. In most cases, mobile phones are inherited from other members of the family
o they are bought without a large investment. Many of them spontaneously declared:
“they someone gives me a cell phone as a gift, I want it to have everything, otherwise, I
will not spend money on that.” This declaration shows the lack of interest in investing in
new mobile phones’ technology. Future investigations could study if these trends are
also true for other young Argentineans and if in other socioeconomic levels, cell phones
are considered a status symbol.
Some participants mentioned that in addition to independence and autonomy, the
mobile phone also represents maturity and responsibility, since they have to remember to
carry it along with them, charge it, buy a card to charge credits, or pay the phone bill in
case they have a plan.

Vaillard, 14
Knowledge about the mobile device

Most of the young participants were not able to recall the models of their mobile
devices, instead they described them with their brands (Motorola, Samsung, Nokia, LG,
etc) and how modern it was (one month old, etc.). Only those participants who owned
modern and expensive devices (e.g.: Motorola W5 y, Nokia 5200, iPhone) or old and
very basic phones (e.g.: Siemens A56, Nokia 1100) were able to recall their models.

It is possible that those participants with modern and expensive mobile devices
remember their models because they made a strong investment, are interested in new
technologies, they are familiar with their phones functionalities and they use them
actively. While those participants who own basic and old mobile devices possibly
remember their models because they have had them for a long time and they are well
known in the market due to their longevity. Even though most participants were not able
to recall the models of their phone, they could mention their functionalities, which shows
they are mainly interested in how the device functions regardless of the brand and model.

Plans

In the focus groups most of the participants had a monthly plan. Within this
option, two options were present: “Business Plan” and “Community Plan”; both plans
give users unlimited calls within the plan (the number of free numbers depends on the
plan and the service company). The selection of these types of plans was imposed by
their parents; it was not selected by the participants.

Even though the pre-paid card is used by a low number of participants,

participants with this type of consumption plan defended it strongly since they feel it
helps them to better control their expenses; in this case the parents do not intervene in the
plan selection. In one of the focus groups a participant mentioned a combination of both
plans: monthly plan with the purchase of an additional pre-paid card when the credit runs
out.

Vaillard, 15
Conclusions of focus for groups

Conclusión de resultados grupos motivacionales

The focus groups demonstrated that in most cases, parents are the ones
responsible of introducing young participants into mobile technology in order to feel safe
and be able to communicate with them at any time. Nevertheless, with time, young
participants choose to continue to use mobile phones because they perceive it helps them
gain independence and privacy.

Young participants use mobile phones frequently; mainly to call, send and receive
text messages, program the alarm clock and check the time. Even though many
participants have phones with picture and video cameras, radio and MP3 players, for
example, they prefer to use devices designed for those uses rather than their cell phones
because they perceive they do not offer the same functionalities and quality of service as
a specialized device. Those who own third generation mobile phones continue to
primarily use those functions associated with older phones and do not show interest to
learn how to use all their mobile phones’ functionalities.

Second Stage: Surveys

The results indicate that most of the people interviewed own cell phones that
satisfy, at least, the basic functions: 99.5% of those interviewed have text messages,
about 99% have alarm clock and watch, and around 92.5% have calendars. According to
the surveys young participants have cell phones with games (92%), notes and memos
(78%), picture camera (74%), Internet access (66%), video camera (59%), MP3 player
(49.5%), e-mail access (37.5%) and GPS (11%).

Vaillard, 16
 Functions of mobile phones'

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Functions

When participants we asked about their cell phones’ brands 13 different ones were
mentioned. Among them, the most frequently named were Motorola (37.6%), Nokia
(21.8%) and Samsung (14.4%), which represented about 70% of the sample. Only about
2.5% of those interviewed said they were not aware of their cell phone’s brand.

Brands of participants' cell phones

0%
1% 1% 0%
1% 1%
1% 0% Motorola
2% Nokia
7% Samsung
Sony Ericsson
39% LG
10% N/A
Apple
Alcatel
Blackberry
Palm
14% Siemens
Mac
Pantech
23% Sanyo

While with the focus groups it was difficult to determine what was the preferred
Vaillard, 17
method of consumption, surveys demonstrated that close to 74% of participants choose a
monthly payment plan, while 26% prefer pre-paid cards. The surveys also indicated that
about 74% of the plans are paid by a third party (e.g. parents), and not by the person who
uses the phone.

As in the focus groups, the results show that young participants utilize their
mobile phones frequently. About 34.6% said they speak between 0-15 minutes a day,
24.2% said they speak between 16-30 minutes a day, 23.8% speak between 46-60
minutes a day, while 15.3% said they speak more than an hour a day.

On the other hand, 30.2% of participants responded that they spend between 31-
45 minutes a day to send messages, 26.73% said they spend more than an hours a day,
while 20.8% use it between 16-30 minutes on a daily basis. In this case, about 18.8%
said they were not aware of how much time they spend sending text messages.

Time partcipants spend speaking on their cell phones

40,00

35,00

30,00

25,00
Percentage

20,00

15,00

10,00

5,00

0,00
0-15 16-30 31-45 46-60 More than 60 N/A
Time intervals

Vaillard, 18
 Times participants spend text messaging on their cell phones

35,00

30,00

25,00
Percentage

20,00

15,00

10,00

5,00

0,00
0-15 16-30 31-45 46-60 More than 60 N/A
Time intervals

In future investigations researchers should evaluate if there is a correlation

between the model of mobile phone and the time that young people spend to speak, send
text messages and utilize other applications. At the same time, investigators could
evaluate if those who spend more time speaking on their mobile phones and send more
text messages have pre-paid or monthly plans.

As showed in the focus groups as well, surveys indicated that those surveyed
communicate with their family and friends differently. More than 82% of participants
call their family members, while 17% use text messages to communicate with them. On
the other hand, the situation almost reverses when they communicate with their friends
since 65% used text messages, and only 33% of surveyed participants call their friends.

Vaillard, 19
 Method participants use to communicate with family Methods used by participants to communicate with friends

0,99% 1,98%
16,83%

33,17%

Call Call
Text message Text message
N/A N/A

64,85%

82,18%

When investigators consulted young participants about their feelings towards their
mobile phone, the results were also consistent with the results of the focus groups. About
83% of participants expressed that they find cell phones useful to keep in touch with their
family.

Also coherent with the results of the focus groups, surveys’ results showed that
participants are not very interested in mobile technology. Around 59% of people
surveyed perceive mobile phones are useful to pass the time. Specifically, close to 73%
mentioned they are not very useful to access the web, close to 74% perceive that they are
not useful to send e-mails, 86% said they are not good to access social networks like
Facebook and MySpace, and more than 94% said their cell phones are not useful to watch
TV or movies. Along this line, close to 79% of those interviewed said cell phones are not
good to access information. At the same time close to 88% responded they consider cell
phones not useful to watch YouTube videos and 69% perceives they are little useful to
share videos recorded by themselves.

On the other hand, closet o 60% of participants considers that cell phones are
appropriate to listen to music, and more than 74% of them consider them useful to keep
conversations private. While close to 71% of participants find cell phones very useful or
somewhat useful to feel safer, as well as plan and organize their days. Agreeing with the
results of the focus groups, close to 81% of participants do not consider cell phones a
symbol of status.

Vaillard, 20
 At the same time, when those surveyed were asked about their preference of the
cell phone use compared to other platforms, the results agreed with the results of the
focus groups once again. In general, young participants prefer platforms specialized for
each service: to listen to music, access the Internet, play video games or take pictures, for
example.

To listen to music, participants surveyed prefer MP3 players, then the computer,
radio and lastly, their mobile phones. To download music from the Internet, they prefer to
do it from their computers, then their MP3 players and then, their cell phones. To watch
movies, is the least preferred method once again after the TV set, the computer or even
their MP4 player. To see news or get informed, participants indicated they prefer to
watch TV, then the computer, the cell phones and finally MP3 player. With respect to
downloading videos from YouTube, participants first prefer to use their computers, then
TV then the MP4 player and finally their cell phones. When talking about video games,
young participants first play with the console, then the computer, then the cell phone and
finally the MP3 player.

To surf their favorite sites on the Internet, participants surveys also indicated they
like to use their computers, then the cell phone and finally the MP3 player. When they
want to check their mail, they stated the first access them through their own computer,
then places where they have a free connection like cybercafés and lastly through their
mobile phones.

When they have to share information with friends, surveyed participants prefer
face-to-face interactions, then to communicate by mobile phones, and then e-mail.

Vaillard, 21
STRENGTHS AND WEAKNESSES

On of this investigation’s weakness is that participants were not randomly

selected, therefore the results only represents the population of students between 18-25

years old of Pontificia Universidad Catolica Argentina. Consequently the results cannot

be generalized to the entire Argentinean population between 18 and 25 years old.

In the future, one should repeat the study using a random sample to learn if these
results are replicated for the rest of the population of young Argentineans or not. In
future investigations we could also study if cell phones use varies from one social class to
the other, and if the results of this study are modified in later years when the third
generation cell phones are more penetrated in society. One could also study if the type of
plan one has pre-paid card versus monthly plan interferes with the frequency and way of
consumption and if mobile phone use varies with age and profession.

CONCLUSION

As indicated in the paper, most of the results of the focus groups and surveys
conducted among students between 18 and 25 years of Ponticifia Universidad Catolica
Argentina in Buenos Aires agree that young participants do not demonstrate interest to
become familiar with mobile technology. Even when they have third generation mobile
devices they continue to use their phones for their traditional use mainly: make and
receive calls, exchange text messages, program the alarm clockand check the time.
Instead, participants indicated they prefer to use specialized platforms to take pictures,
send e/mail, access the web or play video games rather that use their phones.

Vaillard, 22
 This study found that young participants use different methods to communicate
with the family and friends: they choose to call their family members and use text
messages to interact with friends.

Even though the results of this investigation demonstrate that young participants
do not utilize their cell phones as multifunction devices, studies seems to show this is
only a matter of time. Once technology continues to advance, prices are lowered and
technology advances so that mobile phone devices offer better quality of sound to listen
to music, better picture definition and they gain more memory, it is very possible that
youngsters will change their specialized devices for each function and they will turn to
their mobile phones as a multifunction device.

Vaillard, 23
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Vaillard, 24