Abstract
Smartphones have become one of the most prevalent information devices in the current information environment. Although many people use smartphones for communication and information acquisition, these two functions are closely related and cannot be separated. However, many studies have focused on identifying each function of a smartphone independently. There are few studies that investigate the relationships between communication and information acquisition functions on smartphones. This research empirically analyzed and identified the relationships between these two functions of smartphones by conducting a survey. The results of the analysis showed that the activities for information acquisition make differences in communication on a smartphone. People who want to acquire more information tend to use a smartphone for communication purposes. Besides, communication activities on a smartphone also affect the acquisition of information. In addition, communication activities on a smartphone also affect the establishment of interpersonal relationships that lead to the acquisition of more information. From these results, it is identified that communication activities and information acquisition are interrelated when satisfying the information needs of smartphone users. Especially, communication activities on a smartphone positively affect people`s information activities and enhance information acquisition.
Highlights
There are two major driving forces that have led to the current information environment: broad dissemination of wireless networks and the emergence of smart devices
This research focused on three aspects, including smartphone data plans, usage time of smartphones, and the purposes of using smartphones, because these aspects may affect the patterns of smartphone use
A smartphone is one of the information devices that can achieve these purposes by supporting the communication activities and information acquisition of its users
Summary
There are two major driving forces that have led to the current information environment: broad dissemination of wireless networks and the emergence of smart devices. By installing an operating system (OS) and connecting to wireless network, a smart device allows people to enhance their information activities, including communication with other people. A smart device can be defined as a portable information device that uses Internet protocols such as 3G, 4G Long-Term Evolution (LTE), and Wi-Fi, and connects to a wireless network (Davy, 2003) It installs an operating system (OS) and can process data and information. A smart device is capable of voice and video communication, data processing, and Internet browsing, which we usually conduct on desktop computers fixed to a specific place Based on these strengths, a smart device allows people to enhance their information activities and access information in multimedia formats beyond time and space limitations A smart device allows people to enhance their information activities and access information in multimedia formats beyond time and space limitations (Yoon, 2013, p. 11)
Sign-in/Register to view highlights & summary Sign-in/Register to access full text options 
Free) 
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a call
