Tech Expert Explains Frequent Depletion Of Mobile Data On Devices

Chief Technology Executive of Smart Innovations Ghana Selasie Vondee has shed light on a common frustration among smartphone users, the rapid and often unexplained depletion of mobile data.

During the Big Convo segment on Culture Daily aired 3Music TV and Pluzz89.9 FM, the tech expert explored the technical reasons behind high data consumption, debunking the myth that telecommunications providers are solely responsible for "vanishing" data. 

Instead, Selasie pointed out that modern smartphone habits and hidden software behaviors are the primary drivers of data usage.

He also mentioned that while many users believe closing an app terminates its connection to the internet, many applications continue to run background processes. These include syncing messages, refreshing social media feeds, and downloading automatic updates, all of which consume data silently without user interaction.

"It's a feature that has its positive side and negative side," a panelist explained, noting that while background activity ensures users receive real-time notifications, it also leads to continuous, unmonitored data consumption. 

Selasie also noted that high-bandwidth platforms specifically Instagram, TikTok, and Snapchat are the heaviest data consumers. These apps, he said, prioritize high-quality video and media streaming, which can quickly exhaust data bundles.

To help consumers manage their data, the tech expert recommended several actionable steps including; identifying exactly which apps are consuming the most data under Mobile Services in phone’s settings, disabling Background App Refresh to prevent applications from communicating with servers when not in use and activating "Low Data Mode" or "Battery Saver Mode" which can significantly restrict non-essential background processes.