Phones that just make calls, take pictures and send text messages have been abandoned by about a quarter of college students.
About 27 percent of students own smart phones, phones that function as pocket PCs, according to a recent Ball State University survey.
The study, which surveyed about 300 students, was conducted by assistant professor of journalism Michael Hanley.
"I was shocked," Hanley said of the results. "Considering the percent of adults who own smart phones is only 19 percent."
The study also found about 62 percent of students admitted to texting in class.
Hanley said he thought mobile phones would become increasingly integrated into daily life, including becoming a major outlet for watching TV.
Freshman Ally Taylor has had her iPhone for a month and uses it incessantly, she said.
"I love my iPhone," Taylor said. "I'm always texting people and getting on Facebook and stuff like that."
Though some aren't so enthusiastic.
Sociology professor Richard Petts said the use of cell phones is a huge disservice in class.
"People want to be stimulated and want to be connected all the time," Petts said. "I think part of it is this traditional college setting, sitting in a class for an hour and a half doesn't really fit with them being 'I want images, I want media, I want technology all the time.'"
There's a gap that both the education system and this current generation need to close in order to have productive classroom sessions, he said.
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