Mobile phone consumption patterns in a farming compound: the case of Triangle, Tongaat Hulett Estates.

Abstract

The study set out to investigate mobile consumption patterns in Triangle, Tongaat Hulett Estates. It sought to unravel the trends in mobile phone use amongst this community and the gratifications they derive from it. The study was informed by the uses and gratifications theory and the digital divide concept. Data was obtained through qualitative interviews and participant observation. Thematic analysis was deployed to analyse the data obtained from findings. The study found that people use mobile phones as gadgets for basic communication, mobile wallets, prestigious purposes, social networking and for downloading and storing information. The research concluded that mobile usage patterns in a farming compound differ per individual depending on age, attitude, income and literacy levels among other factors which determine the extent to which one uses the device.