Motives for teens' use of WhatsApp and its relationship to the gratifications they have achieved

Document Type : Original Article

Author

مدرس بقسم الإعلام وثقافة الأطفال، معهد الدراسات العليا للطفولة، جامعة عين شمس

Abstract

The era in which we live is characterized by networks that connect individuals inside and outside the borders of each of them, and these networks have become so important that they have begun to affect all aspects of human life, and the WhatsApp application is no exception, as it began to take new pictures as a result of the spread of smart phones.
The WhatsApp application is characterized by a set of interactive features, including the ability to instantly send messages and information and get feedback at the same time. The use of WhatsApp adds a new dimension to communication between young people, as the application allows adding visual and interactive elements to the topics, and in most cases, the use of the application is accompanied by a display of photos and videos. (Kiss, 2015)
Teens use the WhatsApp application to achieve a range of motives, including the use of the text messaging service via the application in chatting, planning and coordination, in addition to social communication such as congratulations and the exchange of feelings between friends and acquaintances.
WhatsApp is a smartphone instant messaging and calling application that allows users to freely access to send text, voice and video messages, and even share photos with other users over the Internet. The application is a social interactive means that allows chatting with friends, creating groups, and transmitting content in the form of text, images, video and audio. And the WhatsApp application provides technical support that checks the contacts on the phone and automatically detects the users of the application and suggests contacting them. ( Shehu, & Shehu, 2015, p.34-39)
 

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