Deloitte have today released their latest Mobile Consumer Survey which analyses the mobile usage habits of more than 1,000 Irish consumers aged 18-75.
The research reveals that the smartphone is the primary device for Irish consumers – 86% own or have access to a smartphone, compared with laptops (80%) and tablets (60%). The top three nocturnal smartphone activities include checking the time (34%), text messages (19%) and social networks (6%).
In addition to their nocturnal habits, 13% of smartphone owners instinctively reach for their phone as soon as they wake up – and not just to turn off their alarm. Just over a third (35%) reach for their phones within five minutes of waking and a half within a quarter of an hour. Messages (28%) are the first thing respondents check on their smartphones in the morning, followed by social networks (18%) and personal emails (16%).
Almost 9 in 10 (87%) of 18-24 year-olds use their devices ‘always’ or ‘very often’ when using public transport, meeting friends, shopping or watching television. A quarter use their phones when eating at home or out at a restaurant.
The 25-34 year old demographic most frequently has disagreements with their partner due to their mobile phone usage. Eight per cent of this demographic argue about this several times a week while a further 8% disagree on this at least once a week.
Head of Technology, Media and Telecommunications at Deloitte, Richard Howard commented, "Smartphone penetration is higher in Ireland compared to other countries, including the UK, supporting the notion that Ireland is generally a tech-savvy country and its people have a desire to stay connected."
He added, "Smartphones usage can impact those who are around you. As with most emerging technologies, consumers will need to learn how best to manage their lives with smartphones, as opposed to having their lives run by their devices."
Source: www.businessworld.ie
