A Study on Effects of Mobile Phone Use Practice among College Students

In today’s technically advanced society, mobile phones have become indispensable communication devices especially among youth. In two or so decades of its presence, mobile phone culture has been developed in which mobile phones are used for starting and maintaining relationships, exhibiting individual identity and belongingness, claiming membership of a social group and thus emphasizing personal status. The impact of cell phones on today’s youth is enormous. In this regard an attempt has been made to examine the effects of mobile phone use practice among college going students of Bantwal Taluk, Dakshina Kannada district of Karnataka State. The objective of this study was mainly to address the effects of mobile phone on the academic performance, social relationship and health of the respondents. A descriptive research design was considered keeping in view of the objectives of the study. The findings of the study reveal that mobiles have become an important social technology for youth.  Mobiles are becoming a crucial element being part of their life and mobile users become agitated when they are away from mobile phones. Mobile phone makes them secure at their place and thus reduces stress level as they can communicate with others instantaneously. But surely sleep is disturbed as they keep on checking for messages / calls which can be hazardous to their health. The study recommend to sensitize students on adverse effects of over use of mobiles and providing right knowledge on appropriate and wise ways of using mobile in their academic development.  It also suggests that appropriate regulations to be laid down in educational institutions in fostering right behaviour among students on college campus in using mobiles.