WhatsApp's Reign and Email's Consistency: A Longitudinal Study of Communication Preferences of Study Beginners at TU Graz (2011-2023)

The study from Graz University of Technology highlights the evolving technology needs and communication habits of first-year students over the past 17 years. Data collected through annual surveys at a centralized introductory event reveal significant trends. In 2023, the survey focused on the role of messaging services and AI tools like Deepl and ChatGPT. The results show a high prevalence of smartphones, a rising use of iPhones, and an increasing ownership of tablets. Wearables like smart watches are also on the rise. Social media usage trends indicate a significant rise in Instagram and TikTok, while platforms like Facebook see a decline. For communication, WhatsApp and email remain dominant. The study emphasizes the importance of adapting e-learning tools to these evolving trends to better support students' academic needs.