With elections round the corner, the smartphones in our hands have become the battleground and the weapons are WhatsApp, Facebook, and Twitter. But the reality elswhere is starkly different, where common people make use of their phones and apps to improve their lives. As part of a research project, we talked to smarphone users (in Ranchi) across age groups, incomes, and involved in small businesses (like tea vendors and auto drivers). Some interesting insights emerged, one being that most of them are creative and use technology creatively.

Technology is playing an important role in bridging the rich-poor divide. The survey showed that the increasing usage of WhatsApp and Paytm is fuelling the desire, especially among children from underprivileged sections of society, to learn more about the technology. This new knowledge will improve their confidence level and help them to be ready for future job demands.

Business, entertainment

The smartphone has changed the way people do banking transactions, make bill payments, and even investments. Manoj, a roadside tea vendor, told us that even the small amount which he receives via Paytm (₹50/day) makes a big difference because, on an average, he gets ₹1,500 each month in his Paytm account, which acts as a bank deposit account. Another aspect which people shared with us is the ease, convenience, and security because they don’t need to carry cash anymore (no more fears of pickpocketing!).

Probably the biggest use of smartphones is for entertainment. People can stream and watch, among others, movie trailers, TV shows and IPL matches. The savvier youth are exploring new avenues. Rahul, an avid tech-surfer, said he uses Netflix, Saavn, YouTube, and Google music app.

Housewives, it was found, now Google to get new recipes and watch their favourite shows other than the daily TV serials. Kumud told us that she watches, among others, MasterChef, Khana Khazana, and DANCE India.

New ways to do business

How (or where) to get that dashing dress worn by Deepika in Padmavat in a city like Ranchi? The trends are clear, says Savita, a boutique owner: “Nowadays many girls show the design on mobile and ask me to make the same. Or else they send it through WhatsApp. It is very convenient.” The digital payment systems allow business to avoid/reduce credit as people pay immediately.

Phones are not all about Facebook, WhatsApp or songs. They are used for education purposes as well, through Wikipedia and academics-related YouTube videos and other websites. Srishti, a teacher at a play school, has devised a new way to ensure toddlers learn poems: “I record the poems and give it to the children and they learn by playing them again and again.” Now with many entrance exams, including the coveted JEE, going online, the importance of this mode in education is going to increase. Smartphones are no longer mere communication devices. The app ecosystem is creating innovative ways of using smart devices to make lives easier and businesses efficient. Technology is empowering women and the underprivileged. Use of tech in education is the real game-changer, and should be widely adopted across the country to make Digital India really meaningful.

The writer is Assistant Professor (Marketing), IIM Ranchi. The article is based on a summer internship done by contributing members

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