Article
Young male South Africans have listed their cellphone as the one thing they can’t live without – ahead of family. Most of South Africa’s younger generation do not speak on their phones – they spend most of their time on social networking services like MXit, which have taken over from regular SMS functionality. “Making calls is too expensive” says Nicky Howell, 14. “I use my phone mostly for MXit, followed by SMSing friends. Chatting services are very addictive – I can’t do without them”. This article looks at the usage of cellphones, and their importance, to South African youth.