A new study from the estimable Pew Research Center says that people are trying to deal with evolving norms about when it is rude or permissible to use their cell phones, when they should feel insulted or tolerate cell phone use by others, and when public spaces should be off-limits to intimate – or loud –cell phone conversations.
We have all been in these situations. Many who say that phone use is a social hindrance also admit to using their phones when they are in social groups.
The survey finds that 92% of U.S. adults have a cell phone, and of them, 90% say their phone is always with them. Some 76% of mobile phone owners report never or rarely turning off their phones.
The representative survey of more than 3,000 adults finds that 82% of adults say that using phones in social settings frequently or occasionally hurts the conversation. Yet 33% say cell phone use in these situations frequently or occasionally contributes to the conversation. Women (41%) and those over age 50 (45%) are more likely to think cell use hurts the group compared with 32% of men and 29% of younger cell phone owners.
Young adults- ages 18-29 – are tolerant of public mobile device usage. Most young adults (90%) say it is generally okay to use their phones on public transportation compared with 54% of people 65 and older. Moreover, 86% of young adults say it is okay to use it while waiting in line compared with 59% of seniors, and 78% of young adults approve of using a phone while walking down the street compared with 66% of older Americans.
While many find it disruptive, most people – 89% – say they used their phone during their most recent social gathering.
The key findings:
• 61% read a text or email message during that recent social gathering
• 58% took a photo or video
• 52% sent a message or text
• 52% received a call
• 34% checked to see if they received an alert
• 33% placed a call
• 29% used an app
• 25% browsed the web
