- 89% users agree that excessive use of smartphones is having an impact on the quality of time spent with loved ones
- 74% users believe periodically switching off mobile phone can actually help them spend more time with family
vivo, the innovative global
smartphone brand, today announced the findings of the second edition of
the study titled ‘Smartphones and their impact on human
relationships 2020’, that showcases the impact of mobile devices on
consumers in this year of social distancing. As the smartphone becomes the
centre of universe in our lives, its impact on society, on behaviours and every
day human connections is significant. The study evaluates and throws light on
the various dimensions of increasing smartphone usage – extent of usage, impact
of lock down on usage patterns, impact on personal health and social
relationships.
Smartphones have become an important tool in our
day-to-day routines, helping us connect with our friends, family and the world
in general. This significance became utmost when COVID-19 and ensued lockdowns
hit people this year, forcing them to stay indoors for their safety. Hence, a
smartphone became our lifeline – from improving our overall quality of life to
helping us feel safe, secure and entertained in distant lands. However,
excessive usage of smartphones is triggering addiction among its users.
The study revealed that 66% of Indians believe that
their smartphone improves their quality of life. Still, a shocking 70% of
Indians feel that if their smartphone usage continues increasing, it is likely
to impact their mental/physical health. Additionally, 74% of respondents said
that periodically switching off their mobile phone can help them spend more
time with family. However, only 18% of users have actually switched off their
phone on their own.
Phone usage and impact of COVID-19 on
it: A pandemic where people were socially distant but digitally connected.
The findings below suggest how smartphones are the central nervous system for
everything that consumers do:
- 25% increase in average daily time spent on smartphone has
increased in the post-COVID era
- Indians are spending more time on smartphone since lockdown (April
2020) – OTT (59%), Social Media (55%) and Gaming (45%)
- The smartphones is the central nervous system for everything that
consumers do.
o 79% users agree that a
smartphone helps them stay connected with their loved ones
o 66%
users agree that smartphones improve overall quality of life
Addiction – While smartphone emerged as a necessity and had given
much-needed flexibility to people, its excessive usage has triggered addiction:
- 88% users agree that people point them out for using the phone when
they are with them
- 46% people pick up the phone at least five times in an hour-long
conversation
- 70% users feel excessive use of smartphones is impacting their
mental and physical health
- 84% users check their phones within 15 minutes of waking up
Relationships – The smartphone addiction resulting from excessive usage of smartphone is
impacting human behavior and relationships:
- 89% users agree that excessive use of smartphone is having an
impact on the quality of time spent with their loved ones
- 74% feel that it is important to have a life separate from your
smartphones
- 70% users feel that mindless usage of smartphones is adversely
impacting their relationships
Empathy – Let’s #SwitchOff for a while for a healthy mind and a healthier
life:
- 73% would be happier if they spent less time on smartphones
- 74% feel that periodically switching off their mobile phone can
actually help them spending more time with your family
India, 14 December 2020