Predictors of Short Message Service use by Nigerian Students

Abstract

The study examined the use of SMS by higher institution students in Ekiti State, Nigeria. It aimed at finding out frequency, motives and challenges of SMS use among the students. The predictors of SMS use were also identified. Stratified sampling technique was used to select students from seven higher institutions. A structured questionnaire was used to collect data from a sample of 614 students. Frequencies, principal component factor analysis and linear regression were used for data analyses. Findings revealed that students use SMS for educational purposes such as contacting peers, family, lecturers and others. Convenience and low cost, escape and entertainment were the motivations of SMS use by students to contact family, peers and others respectively. Confusing acronyms, arrival of texts at very unusual times, as well as late delivery of text messages was identified as shortcomings of SMS. The motivations around the capability of SMS to enable students avoid face-to-face communication also explain use of SMS by students to contact family, lecturers and others. The study recommends that school authorities should identify and communicate with students through SMS to bring about timely information and sense of familiarity that could enhance the teaching-learning process.