HIDDEN MEDIA

Abstract

Exchanging Bluetooth messages via mobile phones, in a short period of time, have become a popular way of communication among the Iranian youth. A quick look at the content of Bluetooth messages shows that they vary from pure entertaining videos to serious religious or political audio files, or even pornographic images. However, Bluetooth messaging in this research is considered as a medium of interpersonal communication, which serves several functions for youngsters. Approximately 120 young people between the age of 17 and 30 living in different areas of Tehran were surveyed regarding their consumption of this technology, their attitude towards it and their gender-based behaviours in using the technology. The results show that Bluetooth is a leisure technology which is seen both as a threat to, and promise for, youth in the society. It helps young people get access to different contents, express their needs and represent their own culture.

Keywords:

• mobile technology
• youth
• Bluetooth messaging
• identity
• social networking

Notes

Bluejacking is the sending of unsolicited messages over Bluetooth to Bluetooth-enabled devices such as mobile phones, PDAs or laptop computers. The term is used to refer to an anonymous practice of sending Bluetooth to others.

Personal interview.

YouTube is a video-sharing website on which users can upload and share video clips, and view them in the MPEG-4 format. Wikipedia.

Personal interview at the Faculty of Social Science, Tehran University, January 2009.