CELLPHONE ANXIETY
A recent survey found that most participants would prefer embarrassment or annoyance to losing their phones
U.S. Cellular recently released its latest wireless survey data providing insight into trends in the wireless industry and smartphone use. What are some of the most interesting results regarding the emotional connections with consumers and their smartphones?
When looking at the data, especially among younger generations, we're noticing differences emerging in the way people relate to their devices. People form a strong emotional connection with their phone and are using it differently than in the past, with a majority of people reporting that they feel anxious or naked without it. There is a huge emotional connection with consumers and their smartphones, so much so that 88 percent of respondents would be somewhat or very concerned if they lost their phone, almost as high as if they lost their wallet (90 percent), keys (89 percent) or credit cards (89 percent).
According to the new data, when are parents providing phones to their children and how are they using it?
We surveyed people between ages 18 and 38, and the data shows that parents are giving their children their first cellphone earlier than they received one themselves. Gen Z (18-22) received their first phone at 14 years old compared with 15 years old for younger millennials (2329) and 18 years old for older millennials (30-38). And for 57 percent of Gen Z respondents, their first phone was a smartphone compared to 37 percent for younger millennials and 22 percent for older millennials. Additionally, respondents with children feel that 13 is the appropriate age for a child to get a cellphone, and respondents without children feel that 14 is the appropriate age.
What other interesting results came from the survey?
It was interesting when consumers were given the choice between a variety of awkward or annoying situations rather than losing their phone. Our results showed that 75 percent of millennial and Gen Z respondents would rather show an embarrassing childhood photo to coworkers than lose their phone, while 70 percent of people would rather listen to the same song on repeat for 24 hours. More than two thirds of people would rather go on a terrible date or sit next to a crying baby on an airplane rather than lose their smartphone. Also, people are using their phone more for internet and social media browsing than for calls or messages, with 67 percent of respondents spending less than an hour a day making calls on their device and 73 percent spending more than an hour a day browsing the Internet.