Student-Researchers Explore Cell Phone Socialization and Addiction: Strengthening Academic and Community Connections

ABSTRACT

Observably, a teachable moment surfaced as two nontraditional aged, first-generation, students discerned fellow traditional aged students, observing markedly different cell phone behaviors than themselves, “Really? That much time on cell phones?” A married mother of four, nursing major, with a cell phone was interested in the potential impact on socialization for students and her family, and a single male residing with a pigeon and two German Shepherds, undecided major, with no cell phone was interested in the potentially addictive qualities. Psychology and math faculty mentors were enthusiastic – real-world application through undergraduate research. cell phone usage (n = 177), showed statistically significant differences between student groups for parental status, gender, and age. There were increased academic commitments among undergraduate researchers: presentations statewide, contributions to community – sharing results with fellow students, administration, faculty, and the general public.