The Influence of Blackberry Phones on Youths

TABLE OF CONTENT
CHAPTER ONE
Background of the study Statement of the study
Research questions
Objective of the study
Significance of the study
Scope of the study
Operational definitions

CHAPTER ONE 1.0 BACKGROUND OF THE STUDY
Communication is vital to all areas of our lives, we use it to persuade, to influence, to inform, share, discover and uncover information.
Communication is the mechanism through which human relationship is developed.
In any aspect of life, communication is important because it enhances relationship among community members.
Mobile phones also known as cellular phones are devices that can make and receive telephone calls over a radio link while moving around a wide geographic area. It does so by connecting to a cellular network provided to a mobile phone operator, allowing access to the public telephone network.
In addition to this, modern telephone or mobile telephones also support a wide variety of other services such as text messaging, multi-media messages(mms), email, internet access, short range wireless communications(infrared, Bluetooth),business applications, gaming and photography. Mobile phones that offer these and more general computing capabilities are referred to as Smartphones.
Influence is the capacity to have an effect on character or behavior of someone or something, or the effect itself; it could be a person or thing possessing such a capacity.
The Blackberry is a line of wireless handheld device and services designed and marketed by Research in Motion Limited (RIM) operating as Blackberry.
A Blackberry can shoot video, take photos, play music and perform online functions such as browsing and emailing. They can also send and receive push email and instant messages, while maintaining a high level of security through on-device message encryption, and are designed to function as personal digital assistants. Blackberry devices support a very large variety of instant messaging features, with the most popular and most important being the propriety Blackberry Messenger Service. It uses the propriety blackberry messenger also known as BBM, software for sending and receiving encrypted instant messages, voice notes, images and videos via Blackberry Pin; as long as your cell phone has a data plan those messages are all free of charge. Some of the features of BBM include groups, barcode scanning, lists, Shared calendars, BBM music and integration with applications and games using the BBM social platform. Its features include: * Send and receiving messages with unlimited length. * Choose a personal BBM display picture and status. * Real time confirmations when messages are delivered and read. * Share photos, videos and more with multiple contacts at once. * Add contacts by using NFC technology for sharing PINs. * Send music files. * Create and join groups where you can share and discuss lists, photos etc. * Share location. * Free call BBM contacts over WIFI.
These phones is referred to as a Smartphone and Smartphones have been a source of satisfaction to all social platforms, however the negative effects of these social networks have serious repercussions to the user, as the phones are very addictive. Individuals that have subscribed to these social networks are unable to do away with them despite the intensity of work load they have to carry out.
However, these are also helping connect individuals whose relationships are complicated by geography and distance; and this has caused individuals and youths the need to acquire these gadgets as a necessity to be able to interact with their friends and colleagues freely.
This work takes a look at the influence of Blackberry phones on Nigerian
Youths and how they can be checked.
1.1 STATEMENT OF THE PROBLEM
It is apparent that the coming into force of smart phones has hampered oral communication greatly. In the ethical aspect, it is not of much importance to get these phones because it will help one distance him/herself from close persons.
However, Blackberry phones come with many benefits such as it can be used as a library and can also multitask; but on the negative side it can also influence the social life negatively as they are revolutionizing the mode of communication and enhancing the levels of interaction between remote and urban people and they are alienating and limiting people interactions; because its only people who are subscribed to the BBM that keep in touch frequently.

1.2 RESEARCH QUESTIONS 1. How has the use of Blackberry phones enhanced the knowledge of Nigerian Youths? 2. To what extent has the Blackberry phone improved effective communication among Nigerian youths? 3. What factors determine the preference of Blackberry phones to other mobile devices? 4. How exactly does the use of Blackberry phones influence the social status of Nigerian youths? 5. What possible outcome could arise from the constant use of Blackberry phones in the lives of Nigerian youths?

1.3 OBJECTIVES OF THE STUDY
The general objective of this study is to determine the extent of how the use of Blackberry phones has influenced Nigerian Youths. The specific objectives are:
The objectives of this study aim at: 1. To find out how the use of Blackberry phones has enhanced the knowledge of Nigerian youths. 2. To know the extent at which blackberry phones have improved effective communication among Nigerian youths. 3. To know what factors determines the preference of blackberry phones to other mobile devices. 4. To ascertain how the use of blackberry phones influences the social status of Nigerian youths. 5. To know the possible outcome that can arise from the constant use of blackberry phones.
1.4 SIGNIFICANCE OF THE STUDY
Significance of the study lies in the fact that it will serve as a broader study and comprehensive look into how the lives of youths have been influenced through the use of blackberry phones.

1.5 SCOPE AND LIMITATIONS OF THE STUDY
This study is limited because the population of study revolves around Bowen University students indigenes of Iwo community are not included due to its rural setting and as most youths may not be exposed to the use of blackberry phones.

1.6 OPERATIONAL DEFINITON OF TERMS * Assessment: estimate the nature or value of a property at a specified level. * Influence: capacity to have an effect on the character or behavior of someone. * Communication: the means of sending or receiving information, such as telephone lines or computers. * Mobile phone: a portable telephone using a cellular radio system. * Blackberry messenger: Blackberry messenger also known as BBM, software for sending and receiving encrypted instant messages, voice notes, images and videos via Blackberry Pin.