Relationship Between Cell Phone Use and Sense of Security: A Two-Nation Study

• NCJ Number: 240241
• Journal: Security Journal Volume: 25 Issue: 4 Dated: October 2012 Pages: 291-308
• Author(s): K.L. Uthpala Senarathne Tennakoon; Daphne G. Taras
• Date Published: October 2012
• Length: 18 pages
• Publication Format: Article
• Publication Type: Research (Applied/Empirical)
• Language: English
• Country: United States of America

Annotation

This study examined the role that cell phones play in providing individuals with a sense of security during times of crises.

Abstract

This study assesses the sense of security associated with cell phone use in two distinctly-different countries using the ecological systems theory perspective. Triangulating multiple data collection methods, the study explores: (a) the characteristics of individuals who associate the cell phone with perceived security, (b) actual cell phone usage for security and (c) the cognitive mechanisms linking cell phone use with peace of mind. Results confirm that cell phones do offer users a heightened sense of security with a strong gender difference in security perception. The strong gender difference holds even with one of the countries having imminent, unpredictable and gender-neutral terrorism threats. (Published Abstract)