Friendship and courtship in the era of smartphone: experience from youths in higher learning institutions in Dodoma Municipality Tanzania

Abstract

Purpose: As technological advancement in terms of digital communication is increased, the use of smartphones among individuals as a source of information and community practices also increased. The study examined the role of the smartphone in building friendships and courtships among youth in public academic institutions in Dodoma Municipality.
Design/ Methodology/ Approach: The study used mixed methods including surveys and interviews to understand the way youths utilise smartphones in building friendships and courtship. Descriptive and content data analysis were used to analyse the data.
Findings: The findings revealed that smartphone has significantly enabled youth to access valuable information about their intimate friends and courting partners. It also revealed that functions provided by smartphone enabled youth to keep their partners closer by utilising social media networks.
Research Limitation: The study focused only on youths in Higher Learning Institutions in Dodoma City, Tanzania thus limiting generalisations.
Practical implications: The study recommends the need for a policy that protects personal information shared through a smartphone for the wellbeing of youths and society’s digital practices.
Social implications: The personal data protection policy will help to protect the privacy rights of youths and all members of the community in general, against any possible abuse which has gained unprecedented attention, especially in the current information age.
Originality/ Value: The study will contribute to improving policy decisions to protect the current digital generation against the violation of personal data shared via digital communication.