Usage of mobile data for accessing online job portals: a case study of unemployed youth in the Cape metropole Townships of South Africa

Abstract

One of the biggest challenges in most third world countries such as South Africa is the issue of unemployment amongst youth. South Africa is one of the most developed countries in Africa. Regardless, the country records one of the highest unemployment rates in Africa. Civilisation brings significant advantages that benefit most businesses and HR departments opting to employ people through internet means. Just like interviews, job applicants may achieve personality assessments through online platforms. For countries to use these technologies to advance their economies, there is a need to address the issues around usage of internet-based services and applications for better use for everyone. Ample evidence today suggests technology has advanced from basic voice services to broadband which creates a huge demand for mobile networks. These mobile networks have a beneficial impact on economic growth and individual wellbeing. Particularly, the rise of smartphones as the primary method of Internet connectivity is changing the telecommunications sector. These technologies are now the primary platforms for innovation in emerging countries, and they both directly and indirectly support economic growth and employment creation. This research study focuses on how unemployed youth between ages 18 and 35, use mobile data to search online job portals for employment. Preferred websites facilitate these portals where an amount of data is required to source and access online job opportunities. This study applies a mixed-method approach where a social phenomenon is observed from data collection and subsequent analysis. To analyse and interpret the data, the researcher compares respondents’ answers to determine usage patterns and relationships among the data. The findings highlight the importance of network coverage, affordability, and user experiences in influencing mobile network operators' choice and data consumption management. Additionally, the need for the identification of specific activities contributing to data consumption, such as browsing, job applications, and multimedia content, emphasise the requirement for optimised platforms and strategies to support efficient data usage. These insights have implications for job seekers and mobile network operators. The qualitative findings show reasons behind preferences, while the quantitative data show the trend on popularity. The study emphasises the significance of network coverage, affordability, user experiences, and efficient data management in facilitating access to job portals. Recommendations include conducting comparative analyses of mobile data consumption patterns across different regions, longitudinal studies to track evolving trends, user experience research to enhance platform usability, and exploring the impact of interventions and strategies. By addressing these areas, stakeholders can improve the accessibility, efficiency, and effectiveness of online job portals, thereby enhancing employment opportunities for unemployed youth and fostering digital inclusion. Future studies can build upon these findings to deepen the understanding of mobile data consumption patterns applicable to the exploration of job opportunities. This study additionally suggests broader socio-economic implications of digital access via mobile devices to employment possibilities.