Title: Value elements among generations: a study of smartphone use between Generations Y and Z (the COVID-19 generation) in South Korea

Authors: Muhammad Hussain; Jaehyun Park

Addresses: Department of Industrial and Management Engineering, Incheon National University (INU), 119, Academy-ro, Yeonsu-gu, Incheon, South Korea ' Department of Industrial and Management Engineering, Incheon National University (INU), 119, Academy-ro, Yeonsu-gu, Incheon, South Korea

Abstract: User value is an important component of user experience, but value elements vary with generational and cultural differences. This study focused on the differences between user value elements of Generations Y and Z through serial case studies of smartphone use. Additionally, the effects of COVID-19 on value elements of Generation Z were also studied. Data were collected in two phases (42 members of Generation Y and 45 members of Generation Z) using the value sampling method, as well as 55 members of Generation Z during the COVID-19 pandemic. The results show that convenience and pleasure are important user value elements for both generations. Money, friendship, and beauty are more important for Generation Y, whereas Generation Z prefers relaxation. Generation Y uses smartphones extensively with social networks, whereas Generation Z focuses on online payments. This study helps to assess the values and perceptions of Generations Y and Z.

Keywords: user value; Generation Y; Generation Z; COVID-19; smartphone; user experience; South Korea.

DOI: 10.1504/IJMC.2024.137764

International Journal of Mobile Communications, 2024 Vol.23 No.3, pp.298 - 323

Received: 16 Sep 2021
Accepted: 07 Aug 2022
Published online: 05 Apr 2024 *

Full-text access for editors Full-text access for subscribers Purchase this article Comment on this article