ARBA MINCH UNIVERSITY

COLLEGE OF SOCIAL SCINCE AND HUMANITY

DEPARTEMENT OF COMMUNICATION AND MEDIA STUDIES

THE EFFECT OF MOBILE TECHNOLOGY ON FACE TO FACE

COMMUNICATION IN CASE OF SAWLA CAMPUS 3RD YEAR
COMMUNICATION AND MEDIA STUDY STUDENTS

SENIOR ESSAY SUBMITED FOR THE PARTIAL FULFILMENT OF

THE REQUREMENT OF THE BACHELOR OF ART DEGREE IN
COMMUNICATION AND MEDIA STUDIES

Prepared by; MESERET DERSO

ID NO RSSH/409/08

Advisor; ASFACHEW E. (MR)

JUNE, 2018

SAWLA, ETHIOPIA
ACKNOWLEDGEMENT

First and for most I would like to thank the almighty "GOD" who give me life,health,and
wisdom to reach this stage of my life and who always with me.

Secondly,I would like to express my deep appreciation and gratitude to my advisor

Asfachew E. for his close supervision, correction, comment and encouragement for
successful completion of this paper.

Thirdly,thanks must go to my family those who supported me for this paper for their moral, and
financial irreplaceable advice.

Lastly,highly grateful to 3rd communication and media study students I would like to thanks all
those who helped me with their valuable wisdom in this effort.

I
Abstract

Mobile technology has gained popularity in the past recent years and its pervasive use has had
definite impact on the traditional modes of communication. This study sought to investigate the
impact of the use of mobile phone on the use of the traditional Face to Face Mode, through
studying the various ways and reasons for use of the mobile phone or Face to Face
communication modes by a sample of students of Sawla campus 3 rd year communication and
media study students. From the hostels accommodation records held by Students Welfare
Association (SWA) – the office charged with students’ accommodation matters, a sample of two
hostels (one “male” and one “Female”) were selected through purposive sampling and from
herein, random sampling method was employed to compose a study sample of 20 respondents to
participate in the filling in of the questionnaire, six to be interviewed and 10 to participate in the
Focus Group Discussion- FGD, was composed. Through employing a mix of quantitative and
qualitative research methods, set out to identify the formats and the techniques in use, the various
reasons for and ways the mobile phone is used in communication. Thereafter, all the relevant
data collected through the literature review and the research process was analyzed through
comparative and counter comparative method. The study established that students heavily relied
on the mobile phone for academic matters, creating and maintaining relationships, settling
misunderstandings and entertainment to degrees that have drastically reduced their use of the
traditional use of the Face-to-Face mode and that has resulted in a mobile phone dependency.
From the findings it is evident that this report has invaluable information recommendable for use
as a guide by communication researchers, communication strategists and other interested persons
in various lines such as advertiser, marketers and salesmen concerned with seeking effective
communication.

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ACRONOMY

SWA:student welfare association

CMS: short message service

MMS: multimedia message service

OSI: open system interconnection

OS: operating system

CSS: cascading style sheets

RIM: research in motion

POA: personal digital assistants

P2P: peer – to – peer

CDMA: code division multiple access

FGD: focus group discussion

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TABLE OF Contents pages

ACKNOWLEDGEMENT.....................................................................................................................I

Abstract.................................................................................................................................................II

ACRONOMY.......................................................................................................................................III

CHAPTER ONE..........................................................................................................................................1

1. INTRODUCTION.................................................................................................................................1

1.1 Background of the study........................................................................................................................1

1.2 Statement of the problem.......................................................................................................................1

1.3 Objective of the study............................................................................................................................2

1.3.1 General objective................................................................................................................................2

1.3.2 Specific objective................................................................................................................................2

1.4 Research Questions................................................................................................................................2

1.5. Scope of the study.................................................................................................................................3

1.6. Significance of the study.......................................................................................................................3

1.7 limitation of the study............................................................................................................................3

CHAPTER TWO.......................................................................................................................................4

2. REVIEW OF RELELATED LITERATURE......................................................................................4

2.1Mobile technology..................................................................................................................................4

2.2Mobile phone generations.......................................................................................................................8

2.2.1 4G networking....................................................................................................................................8

2.2.2 Operating systems...............................................................................................................................8

2.3 Channel hogging and file sharing..........................................................................................................9

2.4 Impacts on the modern family...............................................................................................................9

2.5 The future of smart phones..................................................................................................................10

IV
CHAPTER THREE............................................................................................................................11

3. RESEARCH METHODOLOGY....................................................................................................11

3.1. Research Design.................................................................................................................................11

3.2. Population of the study.......................................................................................................................11

3.3 Sample and sampling techniques.........................................................................................................11

3.4. Data collection and gathering instrument............................................................................................12

3.4.1 Data Collection Methods:.................................................................................................................12

3.4.2 Data Gathering Instruments..............................................................................................................12

3.6 Method of Data Analysis.....................................................................................................................12

CHAPTER FOUR...............................................................................................................................14

4. Data analysis and interpretation.....................................................................................................14

4.1 Demographic characteristics of the respondent....................................................................................14

4.2. Findings of the interviews...................................................................................................................21

4.2. Findings from the FGD.......................................................................................................................22

CAPTRE FIVE...................................................................................................................................23

SUMMARY CONCLUSSION AND RECOMMENDATION...........................................................24

5.1. Summary ............................................................................................................................................24

5.2 Conclusion...........................................................................................................................................24

5.3 Recommendations................................................................................................................................25

References.................................................................................................................................................26

Appendix I.................................................................................................................................................28

Appendix II................................................................................................................................................30

Appendix III..............................................................................................................................................32

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list of table.................................................................................................................................................14

Table 1. In age………………………………………………………………………………………14

Table 2. Gender…………………………………………………………………………..14

Table 3.In religion …………………………………………………………………………15

Table 4. In year at university ………………………………………………………………15

Table 5. have you our own smart phone or tablet………………………………………….16

Table 6. long have been smart phone ……………………………………………………..16

Table 7. use call phone per day……………………………………………………………..17

Table 8. bring phone use leave the house……………………………………………………17

Table 9. use smart phone hanging out friends or family……………………………………..18

Table 10. purpose use smart phone …………………………………………………………..18

Table 11.bother friends or family via technology……………………………………………..19

Table 12. communicate family via technology ……………………………………………… 20

Table 13. technology affects face to face communication………………………………………20

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 CHAPTER ONE

1. INTRODUCTION

1.1 Background of the study

Technology is going through a revolution while human beings evolve also. The recent years have
witnessed a revolutionary development in mobile technologies. The development has involved
the hardware, software, and network communications. Therefore, leaders of mobile technologies
like mobile device manufacturers and mobile services/apps developers compete to attract the
increasingly growing wide section of mobile users to fulfill their demands. With a smart phone, a
person can make calls, send e-mails, watch and share photos and videos, play video games and
music, keep track of appointments and contacts, surf the Internet, use voice search, check news
and weather, use chat applications for voice calls and texting (e.g.,Whatsapp) and interact on
social networks (e.g., Facebook). Samaha Maya (2016). This research presents a number of
studies in developed and developing countries that will assist in finding out the effect of
technology on communication between people and their relation with each other. The conducted
studies addressed different points of view. Digital technologies, such as mobile smart phones and
laptop computers, allow users to access social media easily and frequently and have substantially
increased the uptake of social media. Social media is a relatively recent phenomenon as
ownership and access to computers, smart phones, tablets and the Internet has rapidly increased
in the country of Ethiopia. Emma S. (2016) the review of previous studies of mobile technology
and its effect on human relations and face- to- face communications has identified that the use of
mobile technology in conversation is less significant compared with those in the presence of a
mobile device. Also, from literature review, the quality of conversations is degraded in the case
of using mobile technology. Thus, in this study, it is important to analyze the previous studies to
find out the level of engagement individuals have with their cell phones, other technologies and
with each other in face- to- face communication.

1.2 Statement of the problem

The mobile technology appears to have played an essential role in human communications.
Several studies have being conduct on the effect of mobile technology on face-to-face

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communications in America and Europe. The mobile technology has several advantages on
manifested of communication. For example it increased ability to communicate in and out of
work place and also rapid developments in cloud technologies are boosting the use of mobile
device in business, supporting more flexible working practice and assessing service over the
internet.Emily (2015) on "The effect of Technology on Face -to- Face Communication " and
NuhaGapsiso (2014) who found that, The use of the Internet has substantially reduced the desire
of teenagers for face to face communication with their family members and friends. Since they
spend more time on the internet and hardly have time for face to face communication with the
family due to the time spend engaging others on the internet.

Mobile technology has its own effect on face –to face communication. Due to this students of
communication and media studies at sawla campus faced this problem. Therefore this study
designed to investigate the impact of mobile technology on face- to- face communications on
students at sawla campus as well as finding out whether the mobile technology usage decreases
both the quality and quantity of face- to- face communications.

1.3 Objective of the study

1.3.1 General objective

The general goal of this study is to investigate the effect of mobile technology on face- to -face
communication of Arba Mich university sawla campus 3rdyear communication and media study
students.

1.3.2 Specific objective

 To find the relationship between the use of technology mobile and the ability of people to
communicate face to face.
 To identify whether the presence of technology has effects on face to face communication or
not.
 To show how mobile technology decrease the degrees .of face to face communication.

1.4 Research Questions

1. How does the use of technology affect people’s ability to communicate face to face?

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2. What are the effects of mobile technology on face to face communication?

3. How the using of mobile technology decrease the degree of face to face communication?

1.5. Scope of the study

The researcher is conducted this study on students at sawla campus. Sawla campus is considered
as suitable for this research work-investigating the impacts of the mobile technology on
students‟ face - to - face communication because it does not have access to internet facility
owned by sawla campus. But there is the availability of mobile internet services. Furthermore,
most of the students at the senior level are already on the face book and regularly connect to the
internet through their mobile phone and thereby maintaining regular contact with their internet
friends. After a day University, all students live with their parents and therefore have natural
opportunity of engaging in face- to-face communication with their immediate family members
and friends. The researcher intends to use the senior students at sawla campus for this research to
determine the level of engagement with their cell phone, other technologies, and each other in
face to face situations.

1.6. Significance of the study

Knowing mobile technology is vital important to understand the day to day phenomena of the
world. Researches which are conducted on mobile technology and their effects have advantages
to link with the current situations. And this study is help to communication students, for further
researchers on the area of face book and it is used for teacher.

1.7 limitation of the study

The researcher anticipates that the study may have the following limitation.

 Shortages of internet access in sawla campus.

 Lack of reference books that are essential source for the study.
 Lace of good respondents.
 Time and coast limitation etc.
Those and other problems may happen during doing this study.

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 CHAPTER TWO

2. REVIEW OF RELELATED LITERATURE

2.1Mobile technology

Mobile technology is the technology used for cellular communication. Mobile code division
multiple access (CDMA) technology has evolved rapidly over the past few years. Since the start
of this millennium, a standard mobile device has gone from being no more than a simple two-
way pager to being a mobile phone, GPS navigation device, an embedded web browser and
instant messaging client, and a handheld game console. Many experts believe that the future of
computer technology rests in mobile computing with wireless networking. Mobile computing by
way of tablet computers is becoming more popular. Tablets are available on the 3G and 4G
networks.

The growth and spread of digital media technologies as well as their changing capabilities
seriously enables (or disables)interpersonal, community and individual communication, as well
as significantly affecting what it means to be literate and to learn in the 21st-century. In this
field, a study for Vandana et al, (2016 ), showed that adolescent’s is more inclined towards using
mobile phones for activities other than communication than older generation because in
adolescence stage, people are more susceptible to changing fashion trends and style, building
them more Tech savvy which creates certain behavioral disorders. The fame of the mobile
phones is followed by an alarm towards the detrimental effects of cell phone radiation, Fatigue,
headache, decreased concentration and local irritation and burning are the major effects of
excessive usage of mobile phones. Also, that field observations, provided evidence that the rapid
expansion of technology is negatively affecting face-to-face communication. People are
becoming more reliant on communicating with friends and family through technology and are
neglecting to engage personally, uninhibited by phones and devices, even when actually in the
presence of others. A majority of individuals felt the quality of their conversations degraded in
the presence of technology, and many individuals were bothered when friends or family used
technology while spending time together. Additionally, nearly half of survey respondents (46%)

4
communicate more frequently with friends and family via technology than in person, indicating
strongly that face-to-face interactions have decreased both in quality and in quantity.

In another study for the school community journal fall / winter (2016) regarding technology and
its effect on the families, it showed that technology has always altered the nature of social
interact ions, including those within the family. In its most recent forms, whether a public venue
(e.g., chat rooms) or private media (e.g., instant messaging), a different type of social parents.

In his research with respect to social media, indicated that personal social media usage leads to
negative effects, both on efficiency and well-being. Specifically, social media usage is associated
with lower task performance, increased techno stress, and lower happiness. These results, though
negative, are encouraging for future research as the first step in solving any problem understands
that it exist .Social media will continue to exist and grow in one form or another in the future. As
more and more people spend increased amounts of time with the technologies, the potential for
these negative effects grows. Having an understanding of what occurs and how to help remedy
these effects will be vital for continued enjoyment of these dynamic platforms in a study for
Richardson, (2014) to see this impact on his classroom. He is a teacher who has experienced the
impact of mobile phones in his classroom.

He teaches theater, and this is what he said, “the freedom of choice and control that students
associate with their use of smart phones…shapes the way in which they experience and respond
to live theatre” He is not only seeing a disruption but also a misusage of the responsibility giving
to students by these devices.

In a study for Chan (2014) regarding using Facebook, it showed that when Facebook usage is
low, the positive relationship between extra version and empathetic social skills is strong. As
Facebook usage increases there is a decline on positive extra version and empathetic social skills.
This may suggest the possible replacement of real-life relationships with digital ones. This
replacement, that seems to be occurring decreases body-to-body sociability.

In another recent study, Abdullah O. et al, (2016) showed that there are increasing numbers of
conferences and academic publications relating to the use of mobile and its hypothetical or actual
effect on society, but there is little empirical evidence about the impact of the technological
advances being made. It is important to be aware of how technology has affected social

5
interaction, and to study the results of it. The author look at how new and emerging technologies
are being utilized to promote understanding, build relationships, and facilitate cooperation
throughout the life course between generations that are aging together in a range of community
settings and family contexts. To produce effective, evidence-based policy, an assessment of the
effect of technology on face to face communications and interpersonal interaction is required.
The mere presence of a cell phone can impact quality of interactions and perceptions of one’s
relational partner, as recent studies have revealed. In their study of observations in coffee shops,
Misra, Cheng, Genevie, and Yuan (2014) found that „„if either participant placed a mobile
communication device (e.g., smart phone or a cell phone) on the table or held it in their hand
during the course of the 10-minute conversation, the quality of the conversation was rated to be
less fulfilling compared with conversations that took place in the absence of mobile devices‟‟ (p.
16). Participants reported lower empathetic concern from their partner and this was especially
true if the participants had a closer relationship.

Another research concerning technology and the families by Kral (2014) indicates that
communication, increasingly mediated by technology, has disturbed traditional forms of
interaction in the Western Desert community. Previously typically incorporating gesture, sign,
and gaze, communication via written messages reduces the capacity for traditionally socially
sanctioned forms of conflict resolution and social control by the older generation, Kral
(2014) .This means that cyber bullying can go on unaddressed and even result in severe
outcomes such as suicide if family members are not aware of young people’s activities on social
media. Educational programs are needed to raise awareness of issues like cyber bullying and
cyber racism in order to ensure that parents, adults, community leaders and Elders in remote
locations have opportunities to learn about social media use and the potential negative effects it
can have on individuals, families and communities (Cowling, 2014 &Vaarzon 2014).

In a study for examining the relationship between the presence of mobile devices and the
quality of real life, in-person social interactions, in a naturalistic field experiment, Misra et al.,
(2014) found that conversations in the absence of mobile communication technologies were rated
as significantly superior compared with those in the presence of a mobile device (Misra, Cheng,
Genevie, &Yuan, 2014).

6
 People who had conversations in the absence of mobile devices reported higher levels of
empathetic concern, while those conversing in the presence of a mobile device reported lower
levels of empathy Beside, School Community Journal, (2016) showed that on line interactions
lack features that have been a crucial part of human relations, such as eye contact, body
language, and voice inflections and, therefore, are often characterized as lacking the richness of
face-to-face interactions. However, there have been both positive and negative features identified
in on line interactions. People are wasting so much time with their mobile phones and trying to
interact on social media with people that they don’t know, even going as far as trusting someone
on the Internet over someone in real life.

Another negative effect of social media is the increased connectivity between people who live far
away from each other, so that conflicts that previously remained local can spread as young
people call, text or inform kin in other places about conflicts. A social networking site called
Diva Chat has brought about substantial conflict among the Warlpiri population as well as in
other Indigenous populations (Vaarzon, 2014) Diva Chat is a public and free to use social
networking site that can be used anonymously and therefore provides a forum where some
people partake in socially and culturally inappropriate behaviors because they are effectively
invisible. These behaviors include, cyber bullying and posts that are meant to incite violence
between feuding families. Both community and legal efforts have been made to prevent the
further abuse of Diva Chat and its negative impacts. Negative experiences like this have led other
communities which don’t yet have mobile connectivity to consider the potential negative effects
of digital technologies before adopting them in their communities (Vaarzon, 2014).

Tuck, (2014) illustrated in his study about the mobile and people that mobile devices are
everywhere we turn, they have for many people become an essential part of life, not only are
they essential in communicating they are critical in the way one accesses the internet. It is
seldom we find a cell phone where we cannot use its internet capabilities to shop, play, calculate,
read, communicate, etc. We live in a time in which we are permanently visible and available at
all times through our many internet outlets. One needs only look around at the average social
setting and see the impact of this technology on society. We see silent tables at the cafe, quiet
train commutes, and expressionless faces on walks.

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2.2Mobile phone generations

In the early 1980s, 1G was introduced as voice-only communication via "brick phones".Later in
1991, the development of 2G introduced Short Message Service (SMS) and Multimedia
Messaging Service (MMS) capabilities, allowing picture messages to be sent and received
between phones. In 1998, 3G was introduced to provide faster data-transmission speeds to
support video calling and internet access. 4G was released in 2008 to support more demanding
services such as gaming services, HD mobile TV, video conferencing, and 3D TV. 5G
technology has been planned for the upcoming future.

2.2.1 4G networking

4G is the current mainstream wireless cellular service offered to cell phone users, exhibiting
performance roughly 10 times faster than 3G service. One of the most important features in the
4G mobile networks is the domination of high-speed packet transmissions or burst traffic in the
channels. The same codes used in the 2G-3G networks are applied to 4G mobile or wireless
networks, the detection of very short bursts will be a serious problem due to their very poor
partial correlation properties. Recent study has indicated that traditional multilayer network
architecture based on the Open Systems Interconnection (OSI) model may not be well suited for
4G mobile network, where transactions of short packets will be the major part of the traffic in the
channels. As the packets from different mobiles carry completely different channel
characteristics, the receiver should execute all necessary algorithms, such as channel estimation,
interactions with all upper layers and so on, within a very short period of time.

2.2.2 Operating systems

Many types of mobile operating systems (OS) are available for smartphones, including Android,
BlackBerry OS, webOS, iOS, Symbian, Windows Mobile Professional (touch screen), Windows
Mobile Standard (non-touch screen), and Bada. The most popular are the Apple iPhone, and the
newest: Android. Android, a mobile OS developed by Google, is the first completely open-
source mobile OS, meaning that it is free to any cell phone mobile network.

8
Since 2008 customizable OSs allow the user to download apps like games, GPS, utilities, and
other tools. Users can also create their own apps and publish them, e.g. to Apple's App Store.
The Palm Pre using webOS has functionality over the Internet and can support Internet-based
programming languages such as Cascading Style Sheets (CSS), HTML, and JavaScript. The
Research in Motion (RIM) BlackBerry is a smart phone with a multimedia player and third-party
software installation. The Windows Mobile Professional Smart phones (Pocket PC or Windows
Mobile PDA) are like personal digital assistants (PDA) and have touchscreen abilities. The
Windows Mobile Standard does not have a touch screen but uses a trackball, touchpad, or
rockers.

2.3 Channel hogging and file sharing

There will be a hit to file sharing, the normal web surfer would want to look at a new web page
every minute or so at 100 kbs a page loads quickly. Because of the changes to the security of
wireless networks users will be unable to do huge file transfers because service providers want to
reduce channel use. AT&T claimed that they would ban any of their users that they caught using
peer-to-peer (P2P) file sharing applications on their 3G network. It then became apparent that it
would keep any of their users from using their iTunes programs. The users would then be forced
to find a Wi-Fi hotspot to be able to download files. The limits of wireless networking will not
be cured by 4G, as there are too many fundamental differences between wireless networking and
other means of Internet access. If wireless vendors do not realize these differences and
bandwidth limits, future wireless customers will find themselves disappointed and the market
may suffer setbacks.

2.4 Impacts on the modern family

Increasing mobile technology use has changed how the modern family interacts with one another
through technology. With the rise of mobile devices, families are becoming increasingly "on-the-
move", and spend less time in physical contact with one another. However, this trend does not
mean that families are no longer interacting with each other, but rather have evolved into a more

9
digitized variant. A study has shown that the modern family actually learns better with usage of
mobile media, and children are more willing to cooperate with their parents via a digital medium
than a more direct approach. For example, family members can share information from articles
or online videos via mobile devices and thus stay connected with one another during a busy day.

This trend is not without controversy, however. Many parents of elementary school-age children
express concern and sometimes disapproval of heavy mobile technology use. Parents may feel
that excessive usage of such technologies distracts children from "un-plugged" bonding
experiences, and many express safety concerns about children using mobile media. While
parents may have many concerns are, they are not necessarily anti-technology. In fact, many
parents express approval of mobile technology usage if their children can learn something from
the session. For example, through art or music tutorials on YouTube.

2.5 The future of smart phones

The next generation of smart phones will be context-aware, taking advantage of the growing
availability of embedded physical sensors and data exchange abilities. One of the main features
applying to this is that phones will start keeping track of users' personal data, and adapt to
anticipate the information will need. All-new applications will come out with the new phones,
one of which is an X-ray device that reveals information about any location at which the phone is
pointed. Companies are developing software to take advantage of more accurate location-sensing
data. This has been described as making the phone a virtual mouse able to click the real world.
An example would be pointing the phone's camera at a building while having the live feed open,
and the phone will show text with the image of the building, and save its location for use in the
future.

Omni touch is a device via which apps can be viewed and used on a hand, arm, wall, desk, or any
other everyday surface. The device uses a sensor touch interface, which enables the user to
access all the functions through the use of the touch of a finger. It was developed at Carnegie
Mellon University. This device uses a projector and camera worn on the user's shoulder, with no
controls other than the user's fingers.

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 CHAPTER THREE

3. RESEARCH METHODOLOGY

The methodology of this study is included research design, research population, sampling
techniques, data collection instruments, data collection procedure and data analysis techniques
that are employing by the study.

3.1. Research Design

A research design describes the framework used for the collection and analysis of data, giving a
reflection of priorities that have been proffer for the research process (Bryman(2001).The
research design for this study is descriptive research design. Here the researcher attempt to
describe or define a subject problem, people or events. The major purpose of descriptive research
is description of the state of affairs as it exist it exists at present. Data Analysis is done by way
cross-referencing collected data with existing secondary data entailed in the literature review
section as well as by integration of the quantitative and qualitative data in giving interpretation.

3.2. Population of the study

The researcher is selecting the Year 3rdundergraduates from the Arba Mich university sawla
campus of Media study and Communication students at the population. So the researcher
selecting 20 students at the sample is covering all the faculties selecting a similar number of
students. Because this size neither excessively large too small. So that it can get more precise
estimates.

3.3 Sample and sampling techniques

In order to the respondent from the target population, the researcher is use judgment or purposive
sampling technique. Because as the researcher mentioned on the above, the target populations of
the study are communication and media studies department third year 20 students from the total
population. Under this method, a desired number of sample units are selected deliberately or
purposely depending up on their experience on using mobile technology.

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3.4. Data collection and gathering instrument

3.4.1 Data Collection Methods:

Questioners and interviews were the best method to get the most accurate data for this research.
But practically it is difficult to get full information. So it is decided to distribute. Before the
distribution of the printed question forms, to explain the objectives of the research and the
importance of accurate data.

According to Kothari (2008), primary data consists of data collecting directly by using preset
data collection tools such as questionnaires, interviews, measurements, observations, diaries,
critical studies and brainstorming.

3.4.2 Data Gathering Instruments

Data gathering is sequential starting with the survey through use of the questionnaire, then
interviews and finally the Focus Group Discussion (FGD) which are already mentioned on the
above as primary data gathering instruments.

3.6 Method of Data Analysis

The participants of this study was selected from students of sawla campus using a non-
probability sample via Face to face and direct contact because the university has no more access
to internet facility. Most of students are present on the Face book regularly connect through their
mobile phone not via computer and WIFI and this may not leads to obtain regular contact with
friends being at the university. After the university, all students live with their parents and
therefore, have natural opportunity of engaging in face-to-face conversations with their friends
and family. The survey is conducting in the second semester that is from February - June 20
students are selecting and the survey used a sample method and therefore, it cannot be
generalized to a greater population. Also, only individuals with a Face book account had access
to the study, which excluded students who do not regularly check or use the social media
platform. This sample is a good representation of how mobile technologies have affected face-to-
face communications and social interaction since this generation is the first generation that has
been saturated with technology exposure, (www//google.com)

12
The researcher is recording different interactions between other students and technology such as
texting or talking on the phone, those interacting with others and those who did not have contact
with devices this study examine the effect of mobile technology on Face-to-Face
communications at sawla campus.

There for the data collection through questionnaires, interviewing and focus group dissection
(FGD) then analyzed with the help of frequency distribution table with brief explanation.

13
 CHAPTER FOUR

4. Data analysis and interpretation

In this chapter the researcher attempted to analyze the data collected to know the effect of mobile
technology o face to face communication in case of sawla campus 3rd year communication and
media study students.

The data gather from all students of communication and media studies department In Arba
Minch university sawla campus.

4.1 Demographic characteristics of the respondent.

Table 1. In age

Age Respondent Percent

18-20 1 5%
21-23 16 80%
24-26 3 15%
>26 0 0%
Total 20 100%
The above table implied that most of the participant age is between 21-23 years 80%. On the
other hand 15% respondents are age between 24-26 and 5% of respondents are age of between
18-20 years.

Table 2.Gender

Gender Respondent Percent

Male 10 50%
Female 10 50%
Total 20 100%

The above table stated that the 50% of the respondent are female and the rest 50% of the
respondent are male.

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Table 3.In religion

Religion Respondent Percent

Muslim 3 15%
Orthodox 10 50%
Catholic 2 10%
Protestant 5 25%
Others 0 0%
Total 20 100%

The above table shows that religious distribution of the participant is presented. The table
showed that the majorities 50% of participants are orthodox followers followed by protestant
25%, Muslim 15% and 10% of Catholics.

Table 4.In year of at university

Year Respondent Percent

First 0 0%
Second 0 0%
Third 20 100%
Total 20 100%

The above table shows that the year of respondent in university. As the table showed all
respondents are 100% third year students of communication and media study department.

15
 Part II

Table 5. have your own smart phone or tablet

Do you have your own smart

phone or tablet? Respondent Percent
Yes 20 100%
No 0 0%
Total 20 100%

The above table shows about the respondents owning smart phone or tablet. As the table showed
us all respondents 100% have their own smart phone. No one of from respondent are without
smart phone.

Table 6. long have been use smart phone

How long you have been

using smart phone? Respondent Percent
< 1year 2 10%
1-2year 15 75%
year>3 year 3 15%
Total 20 100%

The above table shows that the length of time starting using smart phone of respondents. That the
majorities 75% of the respondent ware starting smart phone 1-2 years 15% of respondent ware
starting using smart phone when they reach at third. Whereas the rest 10% of respondent were
started at first year.

According to Laonidmiakotko (2010) the smart phone, being a very new invention of humanity,
become an in hart part of humans life. The smart phone combines different sophisticated futures.
It a lows users to keep pictures memories, personal information, corresponded, health and
financial date in one place. Smart phones also become an integral part of modern tell

16
communication facilitates. In same regimes of the world they are the most reliable or only of
available phone.

 The phones allow people to maintain continuous communication without

interruption of their movements and distances.
Table 7. use call phone per day

How frequency does you use

your call phone per day? Respondent Percent
0-2 hours 6 30%
2-4 hours 10 50%
4-6 hours 4 20%
6-8 hours 0 0%
>8 hours 0 0%
Total 20 100%

The above table states about time spending of respondent on smart phone. As the table showed
that the majority 50% of respondent are spent their time with using smart phone from 2-4 hours
per day and the rest 30% and 20% are spent their time 0-2 hours and 4-6 hours respectively per
day. Therefore the researcher understood that the majority of the respondent are spent their time
on using smart phone 2-4 hours per day.

Table 8. bring phone use leave the house

How frequently do you bring

your phone or with you when Respondent Percent
leaving the house?
Always 20 100%
Some time 0 0%
Rarely 0 0%
Never 0 0%
Total 20 100%

17
As we understand from the above table all respondents 100% of this research are bring their cell
phone or with their when leaving the house always. The researcher concluded that all respondent
are bring their cell phone always.

Table 9.use smart phone hanging out friends or family

How often do you use your smart Respondent Percent

phone while hanging out with
friends or while spending time
with family?
Always 5 25%
Some times 5 25%
Rarely 10 50%
Never 0 0%
Total 20 20%
The above table shows that the majorities (50%) of participant on this research are rarely use
smart phone while hanging out the friends or spending time with family five 5% are always users
and the rest five presents are 5% are sometimes users of smart phone while hanging out with
friends or while spending time with family. Therefore the researcher understood the majority of
the participant are use their cell phone rarely.

Table 10. purpose use smart phone

For what purpose do you use

your smart phone? Respondent Percent

Texting 6 30%
Conversation 10 50%
Entertainment 4 20%
Total 20 100%

18
The respondent use smart phone for all three purposes. However the majorities of respondent are
use smart phone for the purpose of conversation 50% following 30% of participant are using for
texting purpose and 20% of respondent are using smart phone for the purpose entertainment. The
researcher understand that the majority of respondent use cell phone for the purpose for
conversation.

Table 11. bother friends or family technology use

It bothers me when my friends Respondent

or family technology while Percent
spending time with me
Strongly agree 7 35%
Agree 8 40%
Disagree 3 15%
Strongly disagree 0 0%
Neutral 2 10%
Total 20 100%

The majorities 40% participants of this research are agree with the sentence. Following seven
items or 35% of the respondent are strongly agree with the statement. However 3 items are
disagree with the statement and the rest 2 items or 10% of the respondent neutral. therefore the
researcher concluded that the majority of respondent are agree with the sentence .

19
Table 12. communicate family via technology

I communicate more frequently and family via

technology than I do in person Respondent Percent

Strongly agree 0 0%
Agree 3 15%
Disagree 14 70%
Strong disagree 3 15%
Neutral 0 0%
Total 20 100%

The above table shows that the comparing the degree of using mobile technology for
communication and in person communication. As the above table showed that majorities 70%of
participants of this research dis agree with the statement and 3 items are agree with sentences.
However the rest 3 items are strongly disagree with the sentences. From the above table the
researcher understood that the majority of the respondent are dis agree with communicate more
frequently and family via technology than do in person.

Table 13.technology affects face to face communication

The presence of technology while spending time with others Respondent Percent
affect face to face communication negatively

Strongly agree 13 65%

Agree 5 25%
Disagree 2 10%
Strongly disagree 0 0%
Neutral 0 0%
Total 20 100%

20
The above table showed that the majorities 65% of the participants are strongly agreed with the
statement and 25% of respondents are agreeing with the sentences. Whereas the rest 10% of the
respondent are disagree with the statement which is exist in the above table. The majority of the
participant strongly agree with the impact using mobile technology on face to face
communication negatively.

4.2. Findings of the interviews

It is interesting to note that of the six persons (A,B,C,D,E,F, ) interviewed, 1 male (C) did not
consider his mobile phone such an indispensable socializing tool playing a significant role in the
management of his everyday life but the remaining five (3 female and 2 male) felt that they rely
more heavily on the mobile phone compared to Face to face in the management of their day
today activities and for maintaining relationships, particularly with persons located in distant
regions. On a normal college weekday (without institution organized events) all the respondents
on average made or receive (through whatsapp/imo/viber) between 8-6 calls, sent or receive
between 8-10 through SMS or instant messaging but none engaged the Face-to-Face
communication mode, showing that mobile phones are used more than the Face-to-Face in
maintaining relationship. On preferred mode of use,student C said: “It is often convenient to use
the mobile phone but should necessity call for a Face-to-Face interaction; ways to enable this can
always be worked out”.

Student, E” said “I prefer calling over texting because this way it is possible to secure clarity of
message”.

Student, B said, “With the advent of the Whatsapp application, the sharing of experience via
photos, audio and video has become much easier, faster and cheaper. For this reasons I often
prefer these means of communication to calling.”

student, A also an interviewee said “I often use the “call” function more than other formats both
for distant and even close range communication purposes, because I get the mood from the tone
used”. Five of the interviewees pointed out that when misunderstandings occur they resort to
Face-to-Face mode to clarify issues but student F, a female respondent said, “Misunderstandings
can be with equal success rate settled over the mobile phone through using Skype or through

21
other such versions as the Whatsapp IMO and Viber, now picking up that allow one to get a real-
time visual view of their communication partners in a way almost similar to that of a Face to
Face interaction.” All the six interviewed agreed that social configurations of self and of society
have changed tremendously. Three respondents, all male said that their intensive use of social
media has affected their ability to interact and communicate with others through use of Face-to-
Face interaction. “Often times I engage in intra personal communication over the mobile phone
to fill my social needs, in place of once used interpersonal Face to Face communication with
colleagues or peers student C” said a “senior” third year male student. The ladies said that
though they engage the use of the mobile phone more than they did before, this has not affected
their interaction abilities.

“I depend on the mobile phone more than I did before, for news updates, entertainment,
academics, and overall communication to an extent that has significantly reduced my use of Face
to Face but I am still able to engage in an Interpersonal Face to face social interaction
comfortably”, Said student E, and D, a third year student ‘It is undisputable that much of
engagements today are carried out over the mobile phone to the extent one feels distressed when
operating without one, but this will never eliminate the need to use the Face to Face mode of
communication by Humans”. In particular student D pointed out that “the social media has
become critical in setting agenda on issues of importance and even in organizing meetings for
various activities thanks to the possibility of formation of virtual communities”. student’s D
sentiment (also affirmed by five of the six interviewees) that the mobile phone is indispensable,
seems to suggest that the mobile phone can control an individual’s everyday life, in the way
Agger (2004:1) described when he stated that “The virtual self is connected to the world by
information technologies that pervade not only the home and office but also the psyche”.

On the question of whether the new social media technologies will in the end eliminate the
necessity of use of face-to-face communication mode, student F, with a surprised face said, “This
cannot happen! People are social beings and at one point or another, a need to interact Face to
Face will always arise”, a view supported by all the interviewees.

4.2. Findings from the FGD

22
The discussions held by a group of 10 Persons, comprising five male (F, G-the students’
representative, H, I, and J) and Five female ( A, B,C, D, and E), indicated that an ever-increasing
number of people have adapted the mobile phone as a preferred mode for communicating to
friends and family who are not within one`s vicinity, “The mobile phone`s capacity to with ease,
break through the geographical boundaries, saving costs and time makes it my preferred choice
over the Face to Face.” student I, F, C and B unanimously said “We use it (the Mobile Phone) in
lecture halls to search for additional information, for business transactions such as paying for
meals”. “Usually during free hours you will find students with earphones on, either listening to
music or watching a movie” said student F. “In restaurants or even within the hostels it is
common to see students on their mobile phones chatting with those far and even to those nearby
-when in need for privacy” said student G, and C, pointed out that “Even when in public places
such as in public transport or walking on the street it is common to see students chatting over
their phones, or with the earphones on enjoying entertainment or other affairs such as sending
text messages, watching movies or playing games”,

Said student G, “The mobile phone, for its multimedia capabilities, that encompass other mass
media such as Television and Radio, coupled with the multiple functions embedded in it, allows
for instant feed backs on important issues that cannot be matched by those received use of Face-
to-Face mode, and for these find it enticing” .

23
 CAPTRE FIVE

SUMMARY CONCLUSSION AND RECOMMENDATION

5.1. Summary of the Findings

In summary, the study found out that because of its capability to defy geographical boundaries
and cost-effectively relaying messages while at the same time cutting down on the time period
taken between sending a message and receive a feedback alongside its various features such as
the ease with which its communication facilities can be mastered, the mobile phone is seen by
the students as a more convenient mode of communication compared to the Face to face. The
students use the mobile phone for communication purposes, entertainment and academic matters
to the extent that they have developed dependency on it to the extent a feeling of distress is
experienced when they operate without ones may happen when one forgets to carry it along or
loses it. However, the Face-to-Face mode is seen as indispensable in minimizing
misunderstandings, reinforcing established relationships and in sealing high risk deals between
parties.

5.2 Conclusion

The findings of the study reveal that for its properties of being able to transcend geographical
boundaries, saving on time and cost of relaying messages, and allowing for instant feedback, the
mobile phone today is more and more being used than the Face-to Face for communication mode
to degrees that has resulted in mobile phone dependency in some. There has thus occurred a
change in communication patterns over time, from an intense use of face to Face mode of
communication to intense use of new mobile phone technology formats such as instant
messaging and video calls. The mobile phone is used in satisfying various gratifications such as
when used for entertainment or for pastime games. The mobile phone is also used as an
important library for storing images and music-functions since these functions accrue no costs.
Over and above, the degree to which students engage the various mobile phone functions varies,
with skill and the type of phone owned.

24
5.3 Recommendations

The business community in should consult it to understand how to tap on the rampant use of the
new mobile phone technology common today and increase their business revenue. During the
research process, a concern on how the levels of satisfaction gained from the use of the mobile
phone modes compared to that gained through the use of Face to Face cropped up, opening an
avenue for possible further research engagements. Communication researchers pick this area for
study and further enrich the already existing bank of knowledge. The patterns of use of mobile
phones as students moved through the ladder of academic years revealed that the students in their
first year of education tended to communicate more with those in communities they came from
but the second years concentrated on creating new friends. The third year’s students engage
much in entertainment with their impending future exit from the institution are more concerned
with contacting the outside world in a bid to secure future slot to fit in. This pattern opens up
another possible research avenue that succeeding communication studies’ students can take up. It
is more financial crises ,time loss and it lades to miss match the future plan .

25
References

Agger, Ben. 2004. The Virtual Self: A Contemporary Sociology. Oxford: Blackwell
Publishing

Allen, D. K., & Wilson, T. D. (2003). Information overload: context and causes. New Review
of

Blumler J. G. & E. Katz (1974): The Uses of Mass Communication. Newbury Park, CA: Sage

Chan, T. H. (2014). Facebook and its effects on users’ empathic social skills and life
satisfaction: A double-edged sword effect. CyberPsychology, Behavior & Social Networking,
17(5), 276-280. doi:10.1089/cyber.2013.0466 Communication Research.

Emily (2015) on“The effect of Technology on Face -to- Face Communication.”

Emma S. (2016) the review of previous studies of mobile technology and its effect on
human relations.

Kothari, C. R. (2008). Research Methodology, Methods and Techniques (2nd ed). New
Delhi: New Age

NuhaGapsiso (2014) who found that, The use of the Internet has substantially reduced the
desire of teenagers for face to face communication with their family members and friends.

Richardson, J. (2014). Powerful devices: How teen’s smart phones disrupt power in the
theatre, classroom, and beyond. Learning, Media and Technology, 39(3), 368-385.

The Atlantic. Retrieved from http://www. the Atlantic.com/technology/archive/2013/06/more-

than-90-of-adult-americans-have-cell-phones/276615/Misra, S., Cheng, L., Genevie, J., & Yuan,
M. (2014). The iphone effect: The quality of in-person social interactions in the presence of
mobile device.
Tuck, G. (2014, April 15). Look up [Video file]. Retrieved from
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Z7dLU6fk9QY

26
Vandana et al, (2016), showed that adolescent’s is more inclined towards using mobile
phones for activities other than communication.

Walther, J. B., & Tidwell, L.C.(1995). Nonverbal cues in computer-mediated

communication. Journal of DeFleur, M. L., & Ball-Rokeach, S. J. (1976).A dependency model
of mass media effects.

Winter (2016) regarding technology and its effect on the families,

27
 ARBA MINCH UNIVERSTY

COLLEGEA Of SOCIAL SCINCE AND HUMANITES

DEPARTMENT OF CMMUNICATION AND MEDIA STUDIES

To:Respondent

Introduction

Dear respondent this questionnaire interview focus group dissection(FGD) are developed to the
effect of mobile technology on face to face communication by the researcher in order to
accomplish Bachelor degree( BA) degree in communication and media studies. I believe that
You answer the questions independently.

Appendix I

A questioner’s guide (Questions) for students

Instruction

Do not write Your name put a right on the response category that best describes Your feeling
redacted to a specific question.

Primary information

1, Sex: Male Female

2, Age: 18-20 21-23 24-26 27 above

3. in religion

Muslim orthodox catholic protestant others

4. in year of at university

First second third

Part II

28
5. Do you have your own smart phone or tablet?

Yes no

6. How long you have been using smart phone?

<1 year 1-2 year >3 year

7. How frequencies do use your cell phone per day?

0-2 hours 2-4 hours 4-6 hours 6-8 hours > 8 hours

8. How frequently do you bring phone our with you when leaving the house?

Always sometimes rarely never

9. How often do you use your smart phone while hanging out with friends or while spending time use
family?

Always sometimes rarely never

10. For what purpose do you use your smart phone?

Texting conversation entertainment

11. It bothers me when my friends or family technology while spending time with me?

Strongly agree agree disagree strongly disagree neutral

12. I communicate more frequently and family via technology then I do in person?

Strong agree agree dis agree strongly dis agree neutral

13. The presence of technology while spending time with other affect face to face inter personal
communication negatively?

Strongly agree agree disagree strongly disagree neutral

29
Are you willing to take part in an interview session and/or Focus group discussion under this
same project at a later date? YES ---------------- No -------------------

If YES, Please indicate your option(s) in this space ---------------------------------

Thank you for your time and support.

Appendix II

An Interview guide (Questions) for students

a) Has social media affected configurations of interaction in our society? -------------------

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b) Will the new social media technologies eliminate the necessity of use of face-to-face
communication mode? -------------------------------------------------------------------------------

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c) What role does the mobile play in the management of everyday life? ---------------------

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d) Does the use of Social media affect our ability to interact and communicate with others
through face to face? ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------

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e) Which of the mobile phone communication formats (SMS, Whatsapp, and Email.Facebook,
Twitter, Voice Calls, Video calls,) do you most frequently used in long distance communications
(relations)? --------------------------------------------------------------

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Appendix III

A focus group discussion guide (Questions) for students

a) Is our society really ready to harness the advantages of the new social media technologies?
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b) How does the sense of satisfaction gained through the use of mobile phone communication in
distant relations compare to that gained through use of Face to Face? --

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Thank you

33