Smartphone as a Symbol of Status

Oct 13, 2025 by wbrum.org 114 views

Smartphone as a Lifestyle: A Descriptive Study of the Use of Smartphones as Lifestyle of USU FISIP Students

Introduction

In today's digital era, smartphones have become an integral part of our daily lives. They are no longer just a communication tool, but a symbol of status, access to information, and even self-identity. This phenomenon is not limited to any particular group, but is observed among various segments of society, including students. The purpose of this study is to explore how smartphones have become a lifestyle for USU FISIP students. This descriptive research aims to understand the role of smartphones in the lives of these students, and how it affects their daily activities, social interactions, and overall well-being.

Theoretical Framework

This study is based on several relevant theories, including the theory of communication psychology, popular cultural theory, consumerism, lifestyle, information technology, and smartphones. These theories provide a framework for understanding the complex relationship between smartphones and their users. The theory of communication psychology, for instance, highlights the importance of communication in shaping our identities and relationships. The popular cultural theory, on the other hand, emphasizes the role of popular culture in shaping our values and attitudes. Consumerism, lifestyle, and information technology theories are also relevant in understanding the impact of smartphones on our daily lives.

Methodology

The population of this study consisted of all USU FISIP students in the 2014/2015 academic year, totaling 3737 people. The research sample was chosen using the Yamane Taro Formula with a 90% confidence level and 10% margin of error, resulting in 97 samples. The sampling technique used was purposive sampling, where the researcher selected samples based on their relevance to the study.

Data collection was carried out through literature studies (literature research) and field research. Field research was conducted through a field survey, where data was collected through observation and questionnaires. The data analysis technique used was a single table analysis with the help of SPSS version 13.0.

Results

The results of this study showed that USU FISIP students who chose smartphones as part of their lifestyle had a high dependence on the device. Smartphones became a tool to access information, communicate, socialize, and even as a form of self-expression. The results also highlighted several important points:

Smartphone as a Symbol of Status

Students tend to choose smartphones with certain brands and specifications as a form of prestige and social status symbols. This phenomenon is not unique to USU FISIP students, but is observed among various segments of society. The desire for status and prestige is a fundamental human need, and smartphones have become a means to achieve this.

Fast Access to Information

Smartphones make it easy for students to access various information, both academic and entertainment, quickly and easily. This has revolutionized the way we access information, and has had a significant impact on our daily lives. The ease of access to information has also led to a decrease in attention span, as people are accustomed to getting information in bite-sized chunks.

Socialization and Interaction

Smartphones are the main tool in interacting with friends, family, and online community. Social media platforms have become an integral part of our lives, and smartphones have made it easy to stay connected with others. However, this has also led to a decline in face-to-face interactions, which are essential for building strong relationships.

Dependence and Negative Impact

Dependence on smartphones can have a negative impact, such as addiction, concentration disorders, and lack of direct social interaction. This is a concern for students, as excessive smartphone use can lead to a decline in academic performance and overall well-being.

Conclusion

This research opens a discussion space about the role of smartphones in student life. Efforts are needed to foster awareness of the use of healthy and responsible smartphones. It is essential to balance the use of smartphones with other positive activities, such as social interaction, physical activities, and self-development. By doing so, we can ensure that smartphones are used in a way that promotes our well-being and enhances our quality of life.

Recommendations

Based on the findings of this study, the following recommendations are made:

Promote awareness of healthy smartphone use: Efforts should be made to educate students about the importance of responsible smartphone use and the potential negative impacts of excessive use.
Encourage balance between smartphone use and other activities: Students should be encouraged to balance their smartphone use with other positive activities, such as social interaction, physical activities, and self-development.
Develop strategies to reduce smartphone addiction: Strategies should be developed to reduce smartphone addiction, such as setting limits on smartphone use and encouraging face-to-face interactions.
Monitor and evaluate the impact of smartphones on student life: Regular monitoring and evaluation of the impact of smartphones on student life should be conducted to identify areas for improvement.

By implementing these recommendations, we can ensure that smartphones are used in a way that promotes the well-being and quality of life of USU FISIP students.
Frequently Asked Questions: Smartphone as a Lifestyle

Q: What is the main purpose of this study?

A: The main purpose of this study is to explore how smartphones have become a lifestyle for USU FISIP students. We aim to understand the role of smartphones in the lives of these students, and how it affects their daily activities, social interactions, and overall well-being.

Q: What are the key findings of this study?

A: The key findings of this study include:

Students tend to choose smartphones with certain brands and specifications as a form of prestige and social status symbols.
Smartphones make it easy for students to access various information, both academic and entertainment, quickly and easily.
Smartphones are the main tool in interacting with friends, family, and online community.
Dependence on smartphones can have a negative impact, such as addiction, concentration disorders, and lack of direct social interaction.

Q: What are the implications of this study?

A: The implications of this study are that smartphones have become an integral part of student life, and their use can have both positive and negative impacts. Efforts are needed to foster awareness of the use of healthy and responsible smartphones, and to balance smartphone use with other positive activities.

Q: What are the recommendations of this study?

A: The recommendations of this study include:

Promoting awareness of healthy smartphone use
Encouraging balance between smartphone use and other activities
Developing strategies to reduce smartphone addiction
Monitoring and evaluating the impact of smartphones on student life

Q: How can students use smartphones in a healthy and responsible way?

A: Students can use smartphones in a healthy and responsible way by:

Setting limits on smartphone use
Encouraging face-to-face interactions
Engaging in physical activities and outdoor activities
Prioritizing academic and personal goals
Seeking help if they feel addicted to their smartphones

Q: What are the potential risks of excessive smartphone use?

A: The potential risks of excessive smartphone use include:

Addiction
Concentration disorders
Lack of direct social interaction
Decreased attention span
Decreased academic performance

Q: How can parents and educators support students in using smartphones responsibly?

A: Parents and educators can support students in using smartphones responsibly by:

Setting clear rules and expectations for smartphone use
Encouraging balance between smartphone use and other activities
Monitoring and evaluating the impact of smartphones on student life
Providing resources and support for students who struggle with smartphone addiction

Q: What are the future directions of this study?

A: The future directions of this study include:

Conducting further research on the impact of smartphones on student life
Developing strategies to reduce smartphone addiction
Evaluating the effectiveness of interventions to promote healthy smartphone use
Exploring the role of smartphones in other aspects of life, such as work and relationships.