The phone walkers: a study of human dependence on inactive mobile devices
In: BehaviourSearch for other papers by Laura P. Schaposnik in
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Abstract
The development of mobile phones has largely increased human interactions. Whilst the use of these devices for communication has received significant attention, there has been little analysis of more passive interactions. Through census data on casual social groups, this work suggests a clear pattern of mobile phones being carried in people’s hands, without the person using it (that is, not looking at it). Moreover, this study suggests that when individuals join members of the opposite sex there is a clear tendency to stop holding mobile phones whilst walking. Although it is not clear why people hold their phones whilst walking in such large proportions (38% of solitary women, and 31% of solitary men), we highlight several possible explanation for holding the device, including the need to advertise status and affluence, to maintain immediate connection with friends and family, and to mitigate feelings related to anxiety and security.
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| All Time | Past Year | Past 30 Days | |
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| Abstract Views | 1287 | 182 | 19 |
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The phone walkers: a study of human dependence on inactive mobile devices
In: BehaviourSearch for other papers by Laura P. Schaposnik in
Current site
Google Scholar
PubMed
Search for other papers by James Unwin in
Current site
Google Scholar
PubMed
Abstract
The development of mobile phones has largely increased human interactions. Whilst the use of these devices for communication has received significant attention, there has been little analysis of more passive interactions. Through census data on casual social groups, this work suggests a clear pattern of mobile phones being carried in people’s hands, without the person using it (that is, not looking at it). Moreover, this study suggests that when individuals join members of the opposite sex there is a clear tendency to stop holding mobile phones whilst walking. Although it is not clear why people hold their phones whilst walking in such large proportions (38% of solitary women, and 31% of solitary men), we highlight several possible explanation for holding the device, including the need to advertise status and affluence, to maintain immediate connection with friends and family, and to mitigate feelings related to anxiety and security.
| All Time | Past Year | Past 30 Days | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Abstract Views | 1287 | 182 | 19 |
| Full Text Views | 311 | 15 | 8 |
| PDF Views & Downloads | 75 | 18 | 0 |