ABSTRACT

The mobile ‘phone’ has become deeply embedded in contemporary social life and interpersonal communication (i.e., voice calls and SMS) among approximately six or seven billion people around the world. 1 Mobile communication is a truly global phenomenon. 2 Numerous studies have demonstrated its increasing social impact on interpersonal communication around the globe. In recent years, the importance of mobile media for news has taken off in various countries and contexts. 3 The role of mobile devices is in tremendous flux, as it has also gained a foothold as a portable device that enables seamlessly integrated computer-mediated communication anytime and anywhere.