Role Change For The Humble Smartphone

There was a time when the main purpose of the smartphone was to make phone calls and SMS friends, now new poll claims that it has become an all-in-one communication device that we rely on to keep us informed of not only what is going on with family and friends, but around the world.

 

By Mike Wheeler
 

There was a time when the main purpose of the smartphone was to make phone calls and SMS friends, now new poll claims that it has become an all-in-one communication device that we rely on to keep us informed of not only what is going on with family and friends, but around the world.

 

Commissioned by SIM card reseller amaysim, the poll asked over 1000 people aged between 18-34 about their smartphone and tablet habits. Results showed that almost two thirds (64 percent) of Aussies are now using their smartphone or tablet to research and help make everyday decisions – from who to date to where to vacate.

 

Other info showed that 43 percent  are checking out where our mates are checking in before we decide where to head out for a bite to eat or a drink.

 

Also when it comes to affairs of the heart, we are all-too keen to find out as much as we can about a potential partner with one in five Aussies researching a new romantic interest on their mobiles, only moments after meeting them. This doubled to 40 percent amongst 18-34 year olds.

 

Half of under 35 year olds surveyed confessed to checking up on their ex online to see what he or she is up to. On the flipside, a fifth admitted to accidentally telling friends about their snooping pastime.
 

Consumers are also sceptics with it comes to news gathering. More than 80 per cent of people often won’t believe new they’re told until they confirm it online.

 

One unsurprising stat is that almost 90 percent of respondents admitting that they use their mobile device to do research  while shopping to see if they can buy an item cheaper elsewhere.

 

Up to 40 percent of people say their impression of a workmate would be impacted by their own online research – so best to remove those incriminating Facebook photos from the weekend and make sure your Linkedin profile’s up to scratch.