ERIC Number: EJ962958
Record Type: Journal
Publication Date: 2012
Pages: 14
Abstractor: As Provided
ISBN: N/A
ISSN: ISSN-0952-3987
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Available Date: N/A
The Blackberry Image: Self-Identified Perceptions and Motivations Associated with College Student Blackberry Use
Firmin, Michael W.; Firmin, Ruth L.; Orient, Katlyn M.; Edwards, Anna J.; Cunliff, Jennifer M.
Educational Media International, v49 n1 p19-32 2012
We report the results of a qualitative research study conducted with university students regarding their phenomenological perspectives of BlackBerry use. Three key themes inductively emerged throughout the interview and analysis process regarding self-perceptions college students reported regarding their own BlackBerry use. First, students offered practical motivations that influenced their decisions to purchase and use BlackBerrys, including the relatively convenient and instant access to email and Internet that BlackBerry offers. Second, all students in our study intentionally compared and contrasted their own BlackBerrys with competing Apple products on the market, specifically the iPhone. In comparison with the iPhone, BlackBerry users in our sample viewed their own phones as only moderately "cool" or prestigious. Additionally, BlackBerry users also seemed to view their phones as less technologically advanced than iPhone technology. Third, students reported particular images they associated with BlackBerry use. These included both a financial "stigma" as well as that of a "business person" stereotype.
Descriptors: Qualitative Research, Student Attitudes, College Students, Handheld Devices, Telecommunications, Information Technology, Social Influences, Phenomenology, Technology Uses in Education, Decision Making, Electronic Mail, Interviews, Reputation, Consumer Economics, Private Colleges, Selective Admission, Comparative Analysis, Stereotypes, Socioeconomic Status, Motivation
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Publication Type: Journal Articles; Reports - Research
Education Level: Higher Education
Audience: N/A
Language: English
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