Cellular Phone Text Messaging Patterns & Teenagers of Southern Punjab: A Using and Gratification Analysis

Abstract

The modifications in mobile phone technology have transformed the trends of people in Pakistan, particularly teenagers. The feature of text messaging is being excessively used for interpersonal communication among teenagers. The present study focuses on the text messaging consumption patterns and the behavioural trends among the teenagers of southern Punjab, Pakistan in the light of uses and gratification approach. Survey research designed was adopted with structured questionnaires. The sample included 627 teenagers studying in various institutions of Multan City. The results of this research revealed that teenagers frequently use text messaging to communicate with others as it is a convenient way of communication. Respondents also showed a tendency of answering the messages from unknown people. Specifically, teenage boys have more tendency of replying to strangers and texting while sitting in family gatherings as compared to girls. Conclusively, it was revealed in this study that text messaging is a distractive activity with the capacity of giving opportunity to individuals to gratify the specific desires. In this rigid and socially segregated society of Pakistan text messaging is the most popular mean of communication without denying its pros and cons.