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- The study “Digital Detox: Disconnect to connect” unveiled the habits of cell phone use, revealing the dependence on mobile devices and the risks of hyperconnectivity.
- Among the conclusions, it stands out that the people who intend to change their habits are -most of them- between 18 and 29 years old (58%). Likewise, 66% of those surveyed would go back to look for their cell phones if they were left at home.
December 2023. Smartphones have become inseparable companions for millions of people. As part of the year-end celebrations, WOM launched the study “Digital Detox: Disconnect to connect”, which reveals people’s internet connection habits and dependence on cell phones, and identifies the potential risks of hyperconnectivity.
Among the main findings of the study – conducted by Cadem to a universe of 700 people across the country – highlights that 1 in 3 people consider themselves addicted to being connected to the Internet, mainly young people between 18 and 29 years with 49%, and 51% of respondents acknowledge being dependent on the cell phone, especially women with 58%.
The measurement shows that 53% of people who consider themselves dependent on cell phones say they have no intention of changing their habits, mainly those over 51 years of age. On the other hand, the respondents who do intend to change their habits are mostly in the 18-29 age group (58%).
In relation to Internet dependence, 31% of those surveyed acknowledge that they stay glued to the Internet for several hours, especially women (36%) and young people between 18 and 29 years of age (46%). Meanwhile, 30% say that they connect to the Internet only when they need it, mainly people between 66 and 75 years old (49%). Meanwhile, 30% say they can disconnect easily.
The study also showed that 41% of people check their cell phones every hour and 26% every half hour. However, young people between 18 and 29 years old tend to check their smartphones every 20 minutes or less. Another surprising statistic is that 66% of respondents would go back to get their cell phone if they were left at home.
Cell phone use at family or friend gatherings
In terms of cell phone use in instances where they share with more people, checking and/or answering messages leads with 59%, followed by checking email with 48% and checking social networks with 47%. Answering and/or making calls stands out as the preferred use among people between 51 and 65 years of age with 44%. On the other hand, 47% of respondents say that it is during vacations when they use their cell phones the most, 34% in meetings with family and friends and 19% in work meetings.
Hyperconnectivity on the rise
According to the survey, digital dependency could also lead to problems. The study reveals that 84% of respondents believe that hyperconnectivity has risks. In this context, 65% believe that the greatest risk is losing personal contact with friends and family, 56% believe that it is not enjoying important moments such as birthdays, celebrations, among others, and 54% believe that it is disconnecting from those around them.
Although the study found that the use of mobile devices facilitates people’s daily activities, it could also have consequences. According to the survey, 71% of those surveyed stated that they have lost a friendship or had a conflict due to misinterpreted messages.
However, 68% of people believe that they communicate better with their family and friends through messages versus face-to-face. In fact, 66% of respondents say that on birthdays they mainly receive messages via Whatsapp. Phone calls become relevant among people over 66 years old (52%) and greetings via social networks in people between 30 and 50 years old (65%).
However, to share a joyful moment or an important event, in-person celebration is the main way to communicate it, with 45% of mentions. Meanwhile, 36% prefer to upload a publication to social networks -mainly young people under 29 years of age (44%)- and 35% choose to write a message via Whatsapp, especially older adults.
