DOI: 10.5176/2301-3710_JMComm15.36
Authors: Dr. William Lesitaokana
Abstract: In this paper, I examine the consumption of mobile phones among young people in Botswana. Throughout the paper, I consider that due to the inexpensive nature of texting, and the continuous need to connect with other people, many young people in Botswana have developed a penchant to texting on mobile phones. In particular, young people use text messaging on the devices to re-ensconce their traditional obligations of connecting with family, relatives and associates; and to link-up through online social networks. However, much texting when other people are around is considered an ill-mannered activity by youth in Botswana. The findings in this study demonstrate that the socio-economic challenges that young people in Botswana face, such as poverty, unemployment and rural-urban migration, continue to shape the ways that local youth use mobile phones. Therefore, much texting which is common among youth, is an indication that there is a close relationship between mobile phone use and the socio-economic challenges faced by the users.
Keywords: Botswana; consumption; mobile phones; texting; youth
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