Students at the University of Maryland Use Mobile Apps to Plan a Night Out and More

The University of Maryland is commonly referred to as a “party school.” The students here, for better or for worse, are known to go out rain or shine. It was a Wednesday and we all had class in the morning, but it did not seem to make a difference. It is syllabus week, after all.

Last night I observed my roommates getting ready for a night out in College Park. They were all sitting on couches discussing current plans. They all seemed engrossed in their phones and did not speak much to each other.

The conversation hopped around, ranging from “Did anyone like your post in the group?” to “Did you see that email?”

Then, almost suddenly, they all got up and started walking to their rooms to get dressed. As an observer, I was confused. How did a room of people barely speak to each other and then get up to start getting ready for the same place, without confirming? It was literally unspoken, which baffled me.

I realized cell phone usage caused this. Everyone was too involved with their cell phones to actually converse. Everyone was on WiGo, an app that facilitates students at universities to see where everyone else is going. 

As an observer, it was strange to see. It wasn’t until I finished the assignment and resumed my normal activities that I realized I was exactly the same. I immediately started opening apps to find out what everyone was doing.

I asked my roommate, Alexandra, how her phone enhances her plan-making for a night out. I then asked her what apps specifically help. She mentioned WiGo, Facebook and messages.

Although she didn’t mention it, I observed her using Snapchat a lot. With all of it’s features, especially newer ones, it can essentially serve the same purpose as multiple other apps. 

Other students, who wish to remain annonymous, use Snapchat in a more risque way. Some use it to send private photos.

listen to ‘mobile jour audio 2’ on audioBoom

Snaphat entices users to send photos they normally wouldn't, or photos they may be embarrassed of, because of its feature to "disappear forever." Users know, or think, after the desired amount of seconds has been chosen, that the photo will be erased from all traces.

Students use other apps in a more sexualized manner, too. Tinder, a new-age dating app, allows users to create a profile. You either swipe right or left, and depending on whether the other person swipes you right or left, you could get matched.

listen to ‘mobile jour audio 1’ on audioBoom

While the user willingly puts his/her name and location out there, most users do not broadcast the fact they use the app. Many Tinder encounters end in a one-night stand or hook up, rather than a relationship.

Thus far, whether it be planning a night out or taking a more sexualized route, students at the University of Maryland use mobile devices in more of a social way than a functional way.