Time Off On Holiday Now Means Time To Get Connected
Recent statistics from an online survey revealed that the need to be connected, even when taking a holiday, is now second nature to large sections of the population. The survey, which was seeking information from people who use portable multimedia devices, was collated by mygov.com for MyDestinationInfo.com. It highlighted that a third of UK holidaymakers update their Facebook status during their holidays. 26% check their social feeds and 8% tweet. Women are more likely than men to update Facebook.
A Few Numbers
48% of the 16-24 year age group use their devices to update their Facebook status when on holiday, while 43% check social feeds and 19% tweet. These figures confirm that the use of social media is increasingly addictive, and we are becoming increasingly interconnected.
On Friday, 11th March, The iPad 2 was launched on the market. Will this fresh upgrade increase the trend in “antisocial” media whilst on holiday? Curiously, the survey also revealed that a very small proportion of people in the UK, currently use an IPad – 2%, which was lower than expected, considering the media interest at the time of the launch.
Full time worker have a variety of uses for their devices whilst on holiday, but use them mostly for emails (61%). But this group is not just working on holiday, they are also connecting socially with their devices. 28% of people in full time employment state that their device usage, whilst on holiday, is geared towards checking their social feeds (Twitter, Facebook newsfeeds etc.) with a further 32% using their devices on holiday to update their Facebook status. So, do we ever really switch off on holiday – not any longer, since useful technology is fully integrated in many peoples lives.
The growing trend of what is now classed as antisocial media becomes clear when looking at a wide range of devices. For instance, Smartphone users who access their phone during holiday times are as follows:
– 88% Apple iPhone , – 79% Android , – 85% Blackberry , – 86% Symbian phone (Nokia)
Good For Business?
James Street, MyDestinationInfo.com co-founder commented: “My ideal holiday is one where my phone, laptop and iPad stay at home, while I relax, and recharge the batteries. Many people don’t subscribe to this, and it’s increasingly difficult to ignore the fact that multimedia devices are often the focus of someone’s attention, checking their feeds and updating their status!”
27% of people check out maps and information on their locality, but 12% watch films, 18% read books, 15% share photographs. 5% read their news subscription, 37% make calls, 30% use SMS. These are just some of the stats from the online survey.
Social media is now embedded as part of the modern holiday experience. It will be easier than ever for holidaymakers to stay connected wherever they are. No-one is sure whether this is a cause for celebration or concern. Debating the wisdom of a world where everyone is accessible and available, regardless of whether they need time away to regenerate is already a hot topic.
All figures, unless otherwise stated, are from YouGov Plc. Total sample size was 2205 adults. Fieldwork was undertaken between 7th – 9th March 2011. The survey was carried out online. The figures have been weighted and are representative of all UK adults (aged 16+)
