ATTITUDES TOWARD THE USE AND ROLE OF MOBILE TELEPHONY: A COMPARISON OF EAST AND WEST MALAYSIA
Keywords:
Mobile telephony, social use, social role, MalaysiaAbstract
This study examined lay beliefs and attitudes toward mobile telephony using the Mobile Phone Questionnaire. A total of 214 participants in West (Peninsular) Malaysia and 211 participants in East Malaysia responded to a series of statements relating to the use and role of mobile phones. Results suggested that mobile phone ownership and use in both samples was widespread. A factor analysis of 25 items on the Mobile Phone Questionnaire revealed three factors relating to (1) the social effects of mobile phones; (2) the life-changing effects of mobile phones, and; (3) the convenience and safety conferred bymobile phones. There were cultural differences on Factors 1 and 2, with East Malaysians more strongly endorsing these factors. Explanations for these differences are discussed in conclusion.
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