COLLEGE OF SOCIAL SCINCE AND HUMANITY

DEPARTEMENT OF JOURNALISM AND MASS COMMUNICATION

THE EFFECT OF MOBILE TECHNOLOGY ON FACE TO FACE

COMMUNICATION IN CASE OF HARAMAYA UNIVERSITY 4RD YEAR
JOURNALISM AND MASS COMMUNICATION

SENIOR ESSAY SUBMITED FOR THE PARTIAL FULFILMENT OF

THE REQUREMENT OF THE BACHELOR OF ART DEGREE IN
COMMUNICATION AND

Prepared by; MESERET DERSO

ID: 3898/13

Advisor; ASFACHEW E. (MR)

JUNE, 2018

HARAMAYA, 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

AsfacheE. 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 Ramayana University 4rd year Journalism and
mass communication 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.

II
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

III
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

V
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

VI
 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.,Whats app) 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
communications in America and Europe. The mobile technology has several advantages on
1
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 Nuha Gapsiso
(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
Journalism And Mass communication at Haramaya University faced this problem. Therefore this
study designed to investigate the impact of mobile technology on face- to- face communications
on students at Haramaya University 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 Haramaya University 4rdyear 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?

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?
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1.5. Scope of the study

The researcher is conducted this study on students at haramaya un. 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.

CHAPTER TWO

2. REVIEW OF RELELATED LITERATURE

2.1Mobile technology
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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%) 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
4
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
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
5
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).

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

6
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.

2.2 Mobile 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

7
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.

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

8
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
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

9
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.

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

10
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.

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

11
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)

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.

12
 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%

13
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.

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%

14
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.

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%

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 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

16
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%

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

17
Texting 6 30%
Conversation 10 50%
Entertainment 4 20%
Total 20 100%

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 .

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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%
19
Strongly disagree 0 0%
Neutral 0 0%
Total 20 100%

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-
20
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 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

21
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” .

22
 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.

5.3 Recommendations

23
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 .

References

24
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
Vandana et al, (2016), showed that adolescent’s is more inclined towards using mobile phones
for activities other than communication.

25
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,

HARAMAYA UNIVERSTY

COLLEGEA Of SOCIAL SCINCE AND HUMANITES

26
JOURNALISM AND MASS CMMUNICATION

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 JOURNALISM AND MASS CMMUNICATION

. 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

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

Yes no

6. How long you have been using smart phone?

27
<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

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.

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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

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