The use of mobile phones by Generation Z: A qualitative analysis of their whys and hows

Abstract

For this study, an in-depth analysis was attempted regarding the use of mobile phones by individuals belonging to Generation Z, which includes people born between the years 1996 and 2010. Generation Z is the generation that grew up with technology, which is why they were selected for this study. They are known to be open-minded, curious, innovative, and engaged in activities like volunteering. Additionally, they are a generation that has experienced and continues to experience social changes that directly affect them, such as global issues like climate change, global pandemics, terrorism, or economic crises. They are oriented towards making long-term decisions and smart investments. Socially, they show a strong interest in equal rights based on race and gender, and they are skeptical about advertisements, always seeking truth and authenticity in every domain. This study aims to identify specific aspects related to their personal experiences and the personal significance they attribute to their mobile devices, as they are a generation that has not experienced much of life without technology, having grown up with it since childhood. The main research method chosen for this work is a qualitative one, involving 12 interviews focused on identifying personal aspects related to phone usage. These interviews were conducted following the application of a questionnaire to a sample of 107 respondents, with the purpose of observing the general trends on this topic.

Keywords

• communication
• social networks
• social influence
• mobile phone usage