A cross-cultural comparison of perceptions and uses of mobile telephony

Drawing from the theoretical orientation of apparatgeist, this article explores the cultural similarities and differences in perceptions and uses of mobile telephony. A sample of college students from Hawaii, Japan, Sweden, Taiwan and the US mainland was surveyed to assess: (1) perceptions of the mobile phone as fashion; (2) attitudes about mobile phone use in public settings; (3) use of the mobile phone for safety/security; (4) use of the mobile phone for instrumental purposes; and (5) use of the mobile phone for expressive purposes. The results indicate some differences and several similarities among the cultural groupings and help to lay the groundwork for future research and theory-budding.