Usage of mobile-devices for recreation among the millenial generation

Abstract

In South Africa, there has been an exponential growth in the number of active mobile device users estimated at over 70% of the total population (approximately 35 million). Adolescents and youth between the ages of 15-24 (referred to as the Millennial Generation) represent the largest demographic group owning and using mobile devices as a social accessory. Notwithstanding the significance of this trajectory for leisure programmers, limited attention has been devoted to studies on the usage of mobile devices for recreation. The purpose of this study was to investigate the usage of mobile devices for recreation purposes among the millennial generation. A quantitative study was followed using a structured questionnaire that incorporated existing scales. From the survey, 269 responses were returned, usable. A factor analytical study revealed six mobile-device recreation dimensions, namely; entertainment, addiction, impulsivity, subjective norms, health and quality of life. Positive and statistically significant correlations were established on all the dimensions indicating convergence. The entertainment sub-scale attained the highest mean score rating (mean=3.997) and also revealed the strongest and most statistically significant contribution towards actual usage (β=0.271, t=4.594). The findings indicate that actual recreation usage is prompted by the perceived enjoyment derived from the mobile device platforms. Strong associations were also established between social norms, quality of life and actual usage. However, such recreational usage has been confirmed to have inevitable consequences such as addiction, impulsivity and health-related problems among the millenials.

Keywords: Mobile device, mobile-device recreation, actual usage, millennials.