Snapping the ‘digital umbilical cord’

If we leave the house without our phone, most of us feel a void, a disconnect from reality.

If we leave the house without our phone, most of us feel a void, a disconnect from reality.

Published Feb 5, 2014

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London - With texting, Twitter and emails consuming so much of a young adult’s time, it’s no wonder the mobile phone is described as their “digital umbilical cord”.

Researchers say that people aged 18 to 24 are so addicted to their handsets that they check them every nine minutes and 50 seconds.

One in 20 is even said to check their phone every minute of their waking hours, according to a study of 2 000 by technology firm Kana Software. Those aged 25 to 34 are only slightly less obsessed – taking a peek every nine minutes and 55 seconds. Those between 35 and 44 wait 21 minutes before checking, with 36 minutes for 45-to 54-year olds. The 55 to 64-year-old group manage to wait 90 minutes before checking.

Researchers also found that prolific phone use is making us increasingly impatient when awaiting responses from firms. Kana’s David Moody said young consumers expect instant responses to complaints. “If we don’t hear back quickly, our impatience rises,” he said.

“Unfortunately for those on customer service desks, ‘working days’ are an outdated concept. With smartphones acting as digital umbilical cords, the modern consumer is always connected.” - Daily Mail

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