EVALUATING WHATSAPP AS A COMMUNICATION TOOL: INSIGHTS FROM KARACHI USERS

Abstract

WhatsApp has recently emerged as a popular alternative to SMS in developing countries, offering diverse functions such as live location sharing, file transfer, and audio, video, and text messaging. The growing trend of WhatsApp usage in the metropolitan city of Karachi presents a novel area of research that requires systematic evaluation. This study aimed to analyze WhatsApp conversations, exploring the frequency, composition, usage patterns, and nature of interactions among users. Using a mixed-method approach, data were collected from 50 private and group conversations over 15 days, contributed by 25 students and 25 professionals. Quantitative data were analyzed using Python programming language. Findings revealed that 2,023 WhatsApp users exchanged 66,327 messages, 869,404 words, and 6,163 media files over 30 days. Students were found to use WhatsApp more frequently than professionals. Standard word formation processes were observed, and WhatsApp was found to serve academic, business, interpersonal, and entertainment purposes. The study concludes that adopting and leveraging advanced communication technologies is essential to address emerging challenges in Pakistan