Young adults’ experiences regarding mobile phone use in relation to older persons: implications for care

Abstract

This article explores the relational experiences of young Setswana-speaking adults in South Africa in relation to older persons’ use of mobile phones and highlights implications for older adults’ care. Research was conducted qualitatively with 14 (9 women and 5 men) young Setswana-speaking adults (19 to 25 years of age) participating in the Mmogo-method®. Findings revealed older persons’ needs for mediation from young adults in order to use mobile phones and to contact people. Young adults provided instrumental support for older persons in relation to mobile phone usage but the subjective impact of these interactions determined the nature of relational interactions both for young adults and older persons. Focusing on the young adults, if a negative impact had been experienced, they ignored older persons' care needs or retaliated. In contrast, if the impact had been pleasant, young adults provided assistance unconditionally. A significant implication of the findings is that relational dynamics in moving for control in intergenerational relations involving mobile phone usage challenged the traditional complementarily-defined relationship of older persons leading and young adults assuming a submissive position. Consequently, a constant struggle for control between older persons and young adults around mobile phones interfered with assistance that might have been provided for older persons. Subjective experiences of relational interactions either led to a delay in care for older persons or increased the probability of providing care. Implications for social work practice and the training of social work students are discussed