Smartphone Use of Freshman Students at a Private University in Iraq

Abstract

A wealth of research has been carried out on smartphone use in line with the revolutionary advancements in ICT technologies. However, employing an example of figurative language to describe smartphone use is not common in previous studies. This study was conducted to contribute to the literature in this regard. Therefore, 40 Foundation English students at a private university in Erbil, Iraq were chosen by systematic sampling method. The students took a survey, a questionnaire and an interview within 10 weeks. Quizizz software program was used to conduct the questionnaire and the survey. Subsequently, MAXQDA software program was used to transcribe and analyze the interview. Content analysis method was preferred to classify the themes and interpret accordingly. During the data collection process, students` favorite activities, daily or weekly usage and importance of smartphones were explored in detail. Students` simile examples were classified under 4 subheadings which were food and drink, electronic devices, stationery items and people. The findings revealed that social media platforms were the most popular pastimes; the amount of time on smartphone increased during the weekend; smartphone addiction level was noticeable. The findings of this study may have some implications on the problematic use of smartphones and its adverse effects on users` personal, social and professional lives.