Determinants of Mobile Phone Usage Among Young Adults in Zanzibar

Mobile phones have become a ubiquitous communication tool, particularly among young adults. What was once a simple technological device has now transformed into a social tool, deeply embedded in the daily lives of these individuals. This paper explores mobile phone usage among young adults in Zanzibar from behavioral, economic, and psychological perspectives. Data was collected from 375 participants, consisting of Zanzibar youth aged 16 to 40, residing in both rural and urban areas, through semi-structured interviews. The findings indicate that young adults utilize mobile phones for various purposes, including communication with family and friends, browsing the internet, consuming media, and playing games. The study also delved into the extent of mobile phone dependency, as well as the positive and negative attitudes surrounding its use. It was found that many young adults spend excessive time and money on mobile phones, sometimes prioritizing airtime and data bundles over basic necessities. The paper concludes with recommendations aimed at fostering balanced mobile phone usage among the younger generation