Motives Behind Preference of Internet Communication Tools Among University Students

Abstract

Researches on internet communication tool (ICT) patronage among university students are of paramount importance owing to the fact that ICT enriched students with communication skills and prepare them for future jobs as communication accounts for the major time spent at work by managers. The aim of this study is to determine factors that affect university students’ preference while choosing ICT. This research was conducted at Near East University, Cyprus during the 2015 spring semester. 99 students voluntarily responded to the questionnaire that was developed by the authors. The data collected was analyzed based on descriptive techniques of mean, frequency, and percentage. It was found that students preferred WhatsApp over other ICTs based on its beautiful styles, compatibility with mobile OS, public influence, cost-effective services, data consumption and ease of use as the key factors toward the preference. To make this research significant to future studies, the finding was discussed in-line with previous researches. The results of this research added empirical data to related studies and could help developers of ICTs, educational technologist, and online administrators.

Keywords

• Social media
• ICT
• Internet Communication Tools
• WhatsApp
• Viber
• Facebook Messenger
• university students