A Digital Ethnography of Mobile Phone Use Among Young People in India

This report presents a digital ethnography of mobile phone use among young people in India, exploring the profound impact of mobile technology on their lives. The study investigates various aspects, including internet usage, social media engagement, and the influence of digital platforms on communication patterns and cultural shifts. It examines the role of mobile phones in education, entertainment, and social interaction, highlighting both the benefits and potential drawbacks, such as addiction and the impact on social behavior. The report analyzes the growth of mobile phone usage, driven by factors like affordable smartphones and accessible internet services, and its implications for the development of India's digital landscape. Furthermore, the report draws on various research studies and surveys to support its findings, providing a comprehensive overview of mobile phone usage trends and their effects on young people in India. The study concludes by emphasizing the need for further research and responsible usage of mobile technology to mitigate potential negative consequences.

A DIGITAL ETHNOGRAPHY OF MOBILE PHONE
USE AMONG YOUNG PEOPLE IN INDIA
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TABLE OF CONTENTS
Introduction.............................................................................................................3
Impact of mobile phones on youngsters in India........................................................................6
Conclusion................................................................................................................9
References..............................................................................................................11
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Introduction
Ethnography is a process of collecting qualitative data and information. It is a systematic
method which is based on principle of society. It is designed in such a way that researcher can
investigate by observing development in society and finding out answers of questions. Mobile
phone has transformed the life of people. It has helped researcher to gather data and information
through observation. Within the digital world currently, all the activities are administered in a
very digital approach and therefore there came the birth of even digital anthropology that is
currently common among the analyses for conducting their research in a very sleek and doable
approach. There has been a tremendous impact on life of youngsters who are using mobile
phones. Also, many controversies have raised due to several issues related to politics, culture, etc.
besides this, social platforms and mobile are been effectively used as platform by politicians to
engage in online activities. Mobile technology and digitalization have allowed researcher to
examine people communication pattern
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It has numerous definitions are amongst it states that any anthropology within which
knowledge gathering strategies are mediate computer-mediated communication or digital
technologies. Digital anthropology may be outlined because the numerous strategies and steps
of doing ethnographical analysis in a very boundary of digital area. The digital field consists of
assorted parts which might be browse digitally just like the usage of pictures, videos, text and lots
of digital associated anthropology outlines an approach to doing anthropology in a very present. It
additionally explores the results of the presence of digital media in shaping the techniques and
processes through that we have a tendency to observe anthropology, and the way the digital
method, sensible and theoretical dimensions of ethnographical analysis are increasing intervened.
It also can be utilized in a range of things and check everything from activity insight to internal
communications and determine the potential for product innovation.
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In recent time the growing influence of internet has increased in changed life of people.
Especially, in India youngsters are been influenced in positive way to a great extent. This is
because mobile technology has allowed them to interact with others. They are able to gain
knowledge about what is happening within nation. Besides this, digital ethnography has made it
possible for the teenagers to explore more about trends and issues prevailing within country.
There are a decent several prisms through that anthropology may well be viewed. The
literature regarding analysis observes and strategies reveals to two key trajectories Bautsch
(2001). First, over the years, in parallel and in dialogue with dynamical theoretical and
substantive foci in analysis, methodologies for researching have shifted in relevance the key
debates that are generated Cooper (2002). To be specific, within the history of ideas within
the social sciences, once there has been a ‘turn’ focused towards gender, the visual or the
senses, for instance, there has likewise been a ‘turn’ within the methodology literature.
Wherever ethnographical strategies are involved, a spotlight on gender in anthropology
additionally corresponded with bigger reflexivity with relevancy the contexts of information
production.
According to Aoki and Downes (2004) by examining women life, United Nations is able to
observe feminist anthropology. There were new strategies which were evolved that were visual
and senses. But major challenge was to know and research about specific senses. Thus, instead of
becoming part of ethnographical method the strategies are expanded as a mirror to observe results
of anthropology
It has been found that many quantitative and qualitative research have been conducted within
and outside India. This is done by using digital anthropology in which data and information is
collected digitally. Also, this concept has been implemented to get precise results. Moreover,
through this technological advancement has occurred and many new digital strategies are
evaluated. So, this can be useful for other researchers as well to conduct study in broad areas.
The basic requirement for young people in India is - food, clothing, shelter and mobile
phone. Mobile phones have became an e s s e n t i a l product in today’s world and is having a
great impact. There has been tremendous growth in the use of mobile phones in India. It is
reported that the India’s telecommunication market is the second largest in the world. The mobile
phones are available to the people from last 10 years. The mobile phone technology has brought
the world closer but it has also changed young people’s social behaviour and made a great cultural
impact in India. We live in an era of global social life where every individual is seeking the help
of internet to do something new in their daily life. Mobile phone has become one of the basic
necessities in our lives. It is one of the useful sources that connect people from all over the world.
Mobile phones can be considered the easiest way to communicate with other people.
Everything is available online. With help of internet and mobile phone we are able to know what is
happening in America and other parts of world.
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India is a developing country where large portion of population is youngsters. The initiative
taken by government regarding digital India have benefited youth to great extent. It has provided a
platform to bring technological advancement within country. Due to this there are many start ups
emerged by entrepreneurs. Some examples are Zomato, Paytm, etc. these all are tech start ups
which has changed lifestyle of Indian society. It has highly contributed towards growth of country.
This has resulted in increase in use of mobile phone to people. besides this, government has
contributed in redesigning IT infrastructure. Also, many companies are emphasising towards
entering in tech sector. For instance, they have implemented digital payment method to reduce
physical rotation of currency. So, teenagers are now more using digital payment method rather than
paying cash. This is because it is easiest and effective method. Similarly, in rural areas people are
sing mobile phone to communicate with each other.
Most of the youngsters in India are using mobile phone for internet access, sending e-mails,
playing games, listening to music, playing radio, reading books, dictionary, access to social
networking sites like Facebook, Instagram, twitter and so on. An Article in THE HINDU Business
Line published on March 29, 2018, stated that the number of mobile internet users in India is
estimated to reach 478 million by June 2018, buoyed by faster connectivity, cheaper
smartphones, and affordable services, according to an IAMAI report.
In India within 8-10 years there has been a high rise in use of mobile phones by teenagers. This
is because of shift in psychological need of people. They think that youngsters are gaining a lot of
information from internet. This has improved their knowledge and capabilities. Besides this, with
redevelopment of technological infrastructure within nation has encouraged people to gather data and
information via internet. In other terms with use of digital ethnography authors are able to analyse
youngsters involvement in use of mobile phone in their natural habitat. Through this, they are able to
gather more effective data. Moreover, people social status has improved as well.
In a research conducted by Priyanka Matanhelia (2010) the other reason for using mobile
phone by young people is storing of private data and information. It has allowed them to create
friendship with others. besides this, mobile has become a way of measuring living standard. It has
become a factor to compare lifestyle with one another. Due to this their needs are fulfilled as well.
Thus, their desired are raised. Moreover, they are influencing other also to use mobile phones. Each
and everyone is connected via mobile. Alongside it, a centralised network is established which has
ease communication process.
The mobile phones are also used to overcome loneliness. However, t h e r e a r e several
benefits of using it but it has caused some issues as well. Some young people are using the mobile
phones so excessively that they are addicted to it Babbie (2000). The mobile phones are even used
at hospitals, judicial courts, temples, church, library and petrol pumps where it is strictly prohibited
or banned.
The first initiative to analyze use of smartphone and behaviour of a user over a period of
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two years was studied by Kushwaha (2017). It was concluded that anxiety makes students check
their mobile phones as more or less 150 times a day on an average. In addition to this, it has also
found that mobile phone was widely used for accessing social networking sites, surfing the internet
and for entertainment purpose as well.
It is pointed out in the case study by Priyanka Matanhelia (2010), that youngsters use
mobile phone for accessing news related content, added to that it also provides an evidence that
they mostly use it for entertainment purposes. A study by Kushwaha R was about the frequent
use of mobile phones and it was found that the usage of mobile phones was mainly for safety,
privacy, assignments and presentation. The study also summarised that the young students are
using mobile phones for seeking information and sharing i t w i t h o t h e r s . A l s o , t h e y f e e l
c o n t e n d e d when they use mobile phones for entertainment and are also utilizing mobile phones
for chatting, social media, making new friends. In addition to this, the study also revealed that
users feel stressed when they are not having mobiles in their hands i.e. sort of addiction for them to
use mobile phones.
A Nationwide survey conducted by TNS India Private Limited, which covered the
objectives like usage of mobile phones and its effect on behavior of drivers. The survey conducted
was for two wheeler and four wheeler drivers. The sample included 1749 drivers from Delhi,
Jaipur, Kanpur, Kolkata, Mumbai, Bengaluru, Mangalore and Chennai. The survey revealed that
94% of the respondents believe that usage of mobile phones while driving is dangerous. The study
also proved that the use of mobile phones makes a negative impact among drivers, which increases
road crashes and accidents. Majority of the people feel unsafe while using mobile phones. 2 0 % of
people from the survey said they had a near miss or a crash because of using the mobile phone
while driving.
Another initiative taken by Government of India is regard to digitalization is a National E
governance plan NeGP launched in 2006 in which all services related to government will be
provided via computer. It is an example of national wide strategy. besides this, it is stated that
mobile phones are cheaper than computer and do not require much knowledge. The use of mobile
phones has increased over last two decades. In a study conducted by (International
Telecommunication Union, 2015) around 92% people all over the world is using mobile phone in
developing countries till 2015. Also, 34% household in India is having internet connection. This has
revolutionised way of communication. In addition to it, society is been shaped. The use of
applications such as Facebook, Twitter, etc. have allowed people to share their views and gain
information from different sources. This has been useful in educating people and improving literacy.
Recently, in India the introduction of Jio movement have made a huge impact on whole
nation. It has been considered as huge step towards transforming India. The introduction of 4G has
increased use of internet significantly. With this, youngsters are highly attracted towards buying
smart phones. This movement has increased connectivity in rural as well as urban areas. Moreover,
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till date in India almost every 3 out of 5 youngsters is using mobile phone. However, technology
sector is at boom at present stage in India. Also, it is expected that coming 5-10 years 70% of things
will be done online. Teenagers are playing vital role in development of nation. They have become
addicted to mobile phones. In addition to this, it has resulted in rise of gaming industry. Teenagers are
highly addicted to playing games on mobile phones. Usually, a student spends average 8 hours in a
day on mobile phone. Therefore, it is clear that digital movement have benefited country in
technological advancement. It has supported in building a new IT infrastructure. Youth are highly
involved in using mobile phones. Moreover, it has modified educational system as well. Youth can
learn online by using different application and watching videos.
Impact of mobile phones on youngsters in India
Mobile phones have a major impact on youngster’s lives and the way that they perform
everyday tasks. Many of these changes are apparent, while others they may not even be aware of.
Mobile phones have brought a whole new meaning to the term multitasking. The youngsters are
always connected to mobile phones when they spent watching TV or videos, crossing roads,
while driving, watching movies in theatres, pay bills, while shopping on stores, studying or
working. There is a gradual increase in the use of mobile phones and it has also increased concern
about the physical and psychological effects of the abundant use of mobile phones among young
generation. Due to excessive use of smartphones, the young generation seems to have more
physical and psychological problems. Even for small problems, they feel helpless and
hopeless. It can be considered a psychological problem. In order to overcome this people can set a
limited time period for using mobile phones like avoiding calls during lunch or avoiding usage
when they are in a home and when there is no necessity for them to use it.
Using a mobile phone is inevitable but making some measures and following them to control
using mobile phones can be possible. Instead of using mobile phones, they can create a good
relationship with the person who is sitting next to them. If the person is alone, he or she can prefer
reading books, doing physical exercise, etc. It is our own responsibility to set the limited time for
the usage of mobile phone.
It has been found in the study done by Priyanka, (2010) that college students prefer to use
mobile phones during night time and evening rather than using mobile phones during the daytime.
Young students have high volume of messaging habit whereas the duration of making and
attending calls are less. It can be added to the point for this study that young students prefer
messaging, sending a text than attending calls. When there is a low signal or less connectivity of
the internet, young people feel more stressed. It is very common nowadays that even young
people are having uncommon psychological and physical problems.
The more time youngster spends multitasking with various tech devices, the worse they
tend to perform on academic tests or annual exams Vaidya and et.al (2016). One of the greatest
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disadvantages of the mobile phone is the fact that young people do not talk to strangers when
travelling. In the past, several youngsters waiting for a bus would engage in a conversation.
Young people who travelled the same routes every day might develop friendships along the
way. This situation does not happen anymore Subba and et.al., (2013). Today when young people
are waiting for a bus, they just pull out their cell phones and speak with old friends, missing out on
the opportunity to make new ones. Yes, people meet new people online on various social media
sites. In large cities, many young people do not know their neighbours, even though they may
have lived in the same neighbourhood for years Castells (2004). The young generation are
beginning to lose the face-to-face contact that was such an important part of our lives in the past.
Rather than negative, there is more positive impact on Indian youth by using mobile phones.
It has resulted in sharing of information and knowledge. Also, all government services are provided
online which have saved time and cost of people. Mobile phone has removed barriers of
communication. Youth can communicate anytime from anywhere. So, it has encouraged business as
well as local authorities to make update or develop IT infrastructure. In every sector technology is
integrated with mobile phone. So, services are offered by developing applications. Young people are
easily able to access them.
But on contrary as elucidated by Venkatesh (1995) in today’s world people believe that as
time changes lifestyle of people also change. With technological advancement they are able to
communicate and interact with people socially. With this, they get to know about culture, trends, etc.
of other societies as well. This enables them to make new friends, share views, enjoy leisure time,
etc.
In a time where instant gratification is the norm and the mobile phone is an item that no
youth can possibly do without, more and more they are suffering from what is becoming known as
“Mobile Phone Addiction”. And it doesn’t really have an end.
The youth square measure additional social and nonetheless additional anti-social than ever before.
It is easier for them to speak “online” via text, than it is to simply call or talk to someone face to
face. Feelings and emotions are expressed mistreatment emoticons instead of paying attention to
somebody. The reason for this is that with the introduction of instant chats like WhatsApp or
messenger, communication is becoming simpler and faster. The dictionary as we all know it’s
being redefined. The youth don’t use prognostic text just because it takes longer to SMS preference
this feature and a full word chuck up thanks to several characters.
What makes a mobile phone for youngsters so useful and tempting? It is undoubtedly not
simply a fashion statement or valuable strictly for its technology options. There is more to why cell
phones have become an essential part of young people in India, mainly due to their portability and
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flexibility in text messaging. Possibly the utmost benefit of mobile phones is the sense of security
they provide for young generation with the knowledge that youngsters are able to contact help
anytime and anywhere.
The frequent use of mobile phones is an unimaginable threat to human health. As legendary
to several, it has been evidenced that talking on a mobile phone for as very little as five hundred to
one thousand minutes per month will increase the likelihood of brain cancer by 300% Castells and
et.al., (2004). Not solely that, it conjointly causes disturbance in sleep, issue in concentration,
fatigue, headache, sterility, and hyperactivity in new born babies, Chances of Alzheimer’s disease,
leukemia, ear defects, and blurring of vision are too noticed to be higher in mobile phone users. In
addition, mobile phones damage key brain cells as well as the DNA. Due to reasonable prices,
youngsters can easily afford mobile phones. They tend to overuse their mobile phones every time
at every place. Hence, the youngsters would want to install new features and keep their handsets up
to date, spending more money and time this way. They could also be tempted into getting hold of
the latest mobile phones even if their old ones are functioning, incurring unnecessary expenses
without consideration
Mobile phone indirectly affects the environment also. Every year, new towers reaching
heights of 250 feet are built for mobile phones all over India, even on top of mountains, which
thousands of flying birds crash into. Additionally, Indian farmers have noticed abnormalities in
their animals which disappeared once the animals were repositioned away from the mobile towers.
On contrary as said by Bautsch and et.al., (2001), it is evaluated that mobile technology has
impacted in positive way as well. It has resulted in shift of economic influence in India. It has
allowed youth to share technology with each other. By using mobile technology, ideas are generated
which is transformed into start-ups. Moreover, its major impact is on rural area where people are
able to communicate with each other. Aside from it, political parties are taking advantage of it. They
are targeting youngsters towards transforming India. It has influenced their mind in positive way.
For example- the rise of Communist party in West Bengal was result of mobile technology.
There are many other things which have influenced young people in use of mobile. They have
become aware of what is going in society. So, they protest it for getting things done in right way.
Furthermore, in a research done by Venkatesh, (1995) it is observed that addiction of mobile phone
has been beneficial for students. Through this, they are able to learn and gain knowledge of
everything on internet. This has enhanced their knowledge and skills. It has helped in increasing
their learning capacity. Another positive impact of using smart phone is youngsters are aware about
technology and its usefulness.
In view of Cooper (2002) another positive impact use of Indian social media on youngster and
people is there is change in their thinking. Generally, people talk and discuss issues like politics,
nationalism, religion, etc. So, this brings them together towards developing one nation. Furthermore,
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many other things are discussed as well on social sites. Hence, instead of criticizing other they share
and give suggestion to others. But on other hand, in non Indian social media topics like global
warming, terrorism, etc. are discussed. So, Indian people are not mostly involved in these issues
rather they focus on things within country. So, there is little impact on Indian youngster and people.
Conclusion
Mobile phones are very useful when it comes to learning, young students are taking pictures of
their books and class notes and trying to learn their notes while listening to music. It remembers
the multitasking and they are making themselves to work when multiple tasks are assigned to
them. They can be able to learn in the convenience of their own time and place. It can be
noticed that there is less bookish learning and young people are more willing to take and make
notes on the mobile phone itself. Mobile phones provide the easiest way of learning. Learning can
be easy when there is a proper listening. Listening to the lectures by teachers and professors can
increase the ability of students to remember the content for a long period of time or even the
lifetime of the person. Young students are even finding a way for the same. Young students are
recording their class lectures and playing/ listening to them when they find time for their own
convenience to learn. However, Isolation, loneliness, lack of learning behavior are new raising
problems that the young generations are facing now. Limited usage of mobile phones provides a
measure to control some of the same problems.
The addiction of mobile phone among youth in India is growing a lot. The different mobile
accessories are used by most of the youth. Mobile phones usage while driving or crossing the road
is prevailing among youngsters. Considering the safety and security, even parents want their
children to keep mobile phones with them because they can instantly contact their children
whenever they want. Parents are responsible are responsible for their children to let them know
about the issues that are happening in society because of excessive use of mobile phone. For
instance, Cybercrime, Cyber Stalking. Cybercrime and cyberstalking are increasing rapidly
nowadays. This is because people fail to set a boundary or limit for the usage of mobile phones.
The mobile phone has wedged on young people’s peer teams sanctioning a really networked
society. It has also impacted on the evolving relationships inside the family; particularly by the
inflated negotiating power the mobile phone gives to young people in respect to curfews and safety
issues. Overall it can be said that desire to get connected is very important factor in mobile phone
usage which was reflected in preference for social networking sights. Also use of mobile phones
by young people is more at night as compared to morning which can affect the complete day of
youngster’s life and future.
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Everyone enjoys talking on mobile phones, but prolonged use can be very hazardous to our
health and well-being. Therefore, we must always be watching at this pressing issue, since an
increasing number of people are now being affected. In fact, in some developed countries, the
mobile phone penetration rate even exceeds 100%. This can lead to serious problems if no attempt
is made to rationalize mobile phone usage.
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