In a recent study by iFix, two-thirds of South Africans admitted to being addicted to their phones and more than a third said they would miss their phone more than their partners if they were separated. In fact, staggering 68% said they looked at their phones more often than at their partners.
The data gathered by iFix’s mobile-testing unit was used to analyse South Africans’ relationships with their phones, and to explore the prevalence of FOBO (Fear of Being Offline) and PSA (Phone Separation Anxiety).
The below results clearly show that we are far too dependent on our phones.
- 71% said that they preferred sharing their life through their phone (social networks, texting, calling) than face to face.
- 74% of people said they can’t leave the house without their phones.
- 77% admitted that they checked their phone regularly without reason.
- 56% of people said the first thing they do in the morning is check their phone.
- 54% admitted to getting annoyed or agitated when someone else used their phone.
- 54% said they check their phone more than three times an hour, while 18% said they check their phone more than 10 times an hour. (That’s almost twice every 10 minutes in an hour)
- 52% said they spend more than three hours a day on their phone while 13% said they spend more than 10 hours a day on their phone.
- 48% said that they socialise most on their phones.
We find this shocking, and so should you!
Want to see how you measure up? Do an online test here.
Want to see how the study was conducted? Watch this video
