Gender Difference in Social Networking on Smartphones: A Case Study of Korean College Student Smartphone Users

18 Pages Posted: 26 Mar 2015

See all articles by Namsu Park

Namsu Park

Konkuk University

hyunjoo lee

Konkuk University

Date Written: June 30, 2014

Abstract

This study investigated gender differences in smartphone application use and examined the gender effect in terms of social relations and social support on smartphones. Data were collected through an online survey among college student smartphone users (N=226). Results revealed that women tend to use camera on smartphones more frequently than men, while men are more likely than women to use phone calling and smartphone applications. Also, the results showed specific patterns of using smartphones for maintenance of personal relationships. When spending their time on smartphones mediated text communications, women were more likely to perceive bonding relationships strengthened, whereas men tended to perceive more bridging relationships expanded. These findings suggest that women tend to intensify close strong relationships by keeping up with friends on smartphones, while men are likely to use smartphones to expand their weak social ties.

Keywords: Gender, Smartphone use, Bonding relationship, Bridging relationship, Social support

Suggested Citation

Park, Namsu and lee, hyunjoo, Gender Difference in Social Networking on Smartphones: A Case Study of Korean College Student Smartphone Users (June 30, 2014). International Telecommunications Policy Review, Vol. 21, No. 2, 2014, pp.1-18, Available at SSRN: https://ssrn.com/abstract=2584824

Namsu Park (Contact Author)

Konkuk University ( email )

Seoul 143-701, Korea
120 Neungdong-ro, Gwangjin-gu
Seoul 143-701, 143-701
Korea, Republic of (South Korea)

Hyunjoo Lee

Konkuk University ( email )

Seoul 143-701, Korea
120 Neungdong-ro, Gwangjin-gu
Seoul 143-701, 143-701
Korea, Republic of (South Korea)

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