Use of smartphones for social networking-men vs women:case study of Bangladesh

Abstract

This research looked on the gender gap in smartphone app usage and the impact of gender on smartphone-based social networks and social support in Bangladesh, a south Asian country. The sample of smartphone-owning 250 college/university students was surveyed online. Results showed that women were more likely to utilize a smartphone's camera than men were, but men were more inclined to make phone calls and use apps developed expressly for smartphones. Moreover, the findings revealed unique behaviors associated with the use of smartphones in the upkeep of interpersonal connections. Women were more likely to think bonding ties enhanced while using smartphones for text communications, whereas men were more inclined to believe more bridge links expanded. According to these findings, women tend to be more likely to use their cellphones to improve already-strong connections, whilst men appear to be more prone to use them to boost already-weak social relationships.