Influence of the Use of Whatsapp Messneger on Adolescent Language and Relationship Ties in Ghana: A Case of Adolescents in Ejisu-Juaben Municipality

Abstract

The purpose of the study was to determine the influence of the use of WhatsApp messenger on adolescent language and relationship ties in Ghana using adolescents in Ejisu-Juaben municipality as a case study. The study employed the dominant-less dominant approach of the mixed method to seek opinions on the influence of WhatsApp messenger. Purposive and simple random sampling were used to select the sample.Ten junior high schools and 300 respondents were chosen and used for the study.Questiolmaires and interviews were used for the study. The study found that there was a weak negative correlation between WhatsApp usage and the everyday language of adolescents be it in school or at home. This indicates a weak correlation in their learning. It further showed that WhatsApp messenger was just an addition to help keep adolescents social circles well bonded. Adolescents still preferred face-to-face interactions. The study further succeeded in drawing a linkage between adolescent development (language and building relationship ties) to the uses and gratifications theory with the intension to understand WhatsApp messenger as a medium among other new media networks for seeking cognitive and social integrative needs. The study suggests that teachers and guardians be abreast with the technology and skill that comes with using of the mobile messaging app to enable them guide adolescents as it could harm them.