This is just my observation (and also some others'), why do you think..?

I think everybody is just different. Also I am not sure if this is just a ''girl thing''. Some freshmen, when they are just in their first year at university...maybe it gives them more self confidence to let everyone know that they are a part of the university..If this helps their self esteem then I would say, let them do it. You are lucky that you got a healthy self esteem and don't need those gadgets...you want to prove you belong in university by studying hard. Hopefully the girls will do the same. Maybe those gadgets just give them more incentive. Perhaps to show off some of the symbols of the university to outsiders give them a sense of pride to have been accepted as freshmen... I am sure when they are in their second year there, this will stop.