Perceived Effect of Global System of Mobile Communication on Older Adults in South Western Nigeria

Abstract

GSM introduction into Nigeria facilitated communication, shortened distance barrier, and provided instance response to matters of concern. Their stereotype beliefs and phobia became worrisome because of an assumed “Satanic” GSM in the South Western part of Nigeria. This “Satanic Telephone” generated vitriolic controversies among different groups of people, particularly the older people. This study was therefore designed to investigate the perceived effect of GSM on the older adults. The Study adopted survey design. The sample for the study consisted of 400 older adults selected from academic, market men /women, self –employed and civil servants. They were selected through stratified sampling technique based on education, gender, ethnicity and nature of their jobs. The result showed that 68% of the older adults believed that GSM had introduced new dimension into the morality of the youths. Socially, 76% agreed that GSM discouraged face-to-face conversation among the older adults. Also 61% believed that older adults, who use GSM heavily, develop weaker social relationship. 50% believed the “Satanic” GSM, 22% believed averagely while 19% did not believe. On the psycho-social effect, 48% of the older adults said it created fear in them, 22% averagely and 30% agreed that they did not develop any fear.

Key Words: “Satanic” GSM phone, Vmobile, Glomobile, Communication,
Radio Frequency (RF), Radio Frequency and Electromagnetic Force (RFEMF) and Hyper sensitivity,