2006-04-02-皮尤-Americans_and_their_cell_phones_13页_160kb

PEW INTERNET PROJECT: CELL PHONE USE SURVEY (APRIL 2006)

Key Findings Summary

1. Cell Phones as Essential Tools:

   • Emergency Use: 74% of cell phone owners use their phones in emergencies and gained help.
   • Time Filler: 41% use calls to fill free time while traveling or waiting; 44% wait to call during free minutes.
   • Spontaneity: 58% use cell phones for spontaneous communication.

2. Safety Concerns:

   • Driving Distracted: 28% admit unsafe driving while using cell phones, with higher rates among men (32%).
   • Public Annoyances: 82% of Americans and 86% of users report irritation from loud public calls; 8% admit drawing criticism while using phones in public.

3. Financial and Usage Issues:

   • Billing Shock: 36% are shocked by monthly bills.
   • Peak Hours: Usage habits vary: 41% avoid expensive minutes, 58% do not.

4. Desired Features:

   • Top Requests: Maps (47%), instant messages (38%), search functions (24%), email (24%), text messaging (13%).
   • Younger Users: Stronger demand for interactive features like maps, IM, and text messaging.

5. Demographic Differences:

   • Age: Younger users (18-29) rely more on cell phones, experience more disruptions, and desire advanced features.
   • Gender: Men are more likely to say they need the phone (34% vs. 23%), while women rely more on emergency usage (77% vs. 71%).
   • Race: Nonwhite users (32%) are more likely to call phones essential and experience higher bills or interruptions.

6. Cell-Only Users:

   • Profile: Disproportionately male, young, and low-income; 81% leave phones on constantly.
   • Attitudes: 81% report cell phones as indispensable tools, with a broader use of features.

7. Societal Impacts:

   • Revealed changes in communication, social interactions, expectations, and privacy boundaries.
   • Highlights the shift toward real-time, spontaneous communication and the blending of public/private spaces due to cell use.

Methodology

• Based on a March 2006 survey of 1,503 adults (752 landline, 751 cell-phone interviews), with a 3% margin of error for the sample.
• Funded by Pew Research Center, Associated Press, and AOL.

peeyannet
date: April 2006
memo by: Lee Rainie, Scott Keeter