An online survey of 8,000 mobile phone owners across 11 markets by Synovate has revealed:
O 75% never leave home without their phones (topped by 92% of Russians and 89% of Singaporeans)
O 36% go as far as to say they cannot live without their mobile (topped by 60% of Taiwanese and 49% of Singaporeans)
O 62% use their Mobile Camera regularly ( topped by 76% of Brits and 71% of French)
O 17% browse the internet on their mobile (topped by the UK at 31% and the US at 26%).
O 11% say they social network regularly via mobile (again topped by the UK at 17% and the US at 15%).
The survey also reported on how text messaging has “undoubtedly changed the way people manage their relationships” with dating and flirting numbers including:
O 31% have lied about their whereabouts via text
O 20%, have used SMS to set up a first date (topped by Malaysians at 36% and Russians at 35%)
O 12% have broken up with someone (topped by 23% of Filipinos, and Malaysians & Russians at 22%)
O 8% have been dumped by text (topped by Malaysians at 20% Filipinos at 17%)
O 33% have used SMS to flirt with their partners (topped by Brits at 47% and Russians at 40%)
O 15% have flirted with someone other than their partners (topped by Brits at 26% and Russians at 24%)
Philip Shaw, UK Director of Technology Communications, agreed that the Brits are quite a flirty bunch. “I suspect this has a certain amount to do with pub culture, plus our national stereotype is embarrassment at expressing emotion. Text allows people to be bolder and takes away a lot of the risk that may come with flirting.”
Steve Murphy, Managing Director of Synovate Malaysia, also commented on how as many as one in five Malaysians may have broken up with a partner via SMS. “Communicating via SMS is also part of everyday life and – let’s face it – it is just plain easier to break-up with someone via text message than having to tell them face-to-face.”
The survey also indicated why The 3G Dating Agency design is set to find fans…
O The ability to withhold your mobile number… is crucial when 42% risk interrupted sleep by going to bed with their phones turned on and within reach
O 3G Video Calling will surely lead to more honest communication… 31% claimed they have lied using SMS
