smartphone on vacation
Essential for most Germans
Taking a selfie, uploading it for friends, responding to comments, and, and, and: even on vacation, many Germans find it difficult to detach themselves from the display.
© kudla/Shutterstock.com
Although cell phone use on vacation can provoke arguments, it is essential for most. A recent study shows that and more.
Although almost half of Germans state that they can only really relax without a smartphone, only one percent do without it completely. That shows one current study commissioned by HolidayCheck. Especially in families, there are different views on smartphone use, which leads to conflicts when vacationing together. However, the study also shows that more and more people are able to put their smartphones aside on vacation and consciously enjoy the valuable time with their loved ones. These are the results in detail.
With the start of the long-awaited holiday season, many people hope for some rest and relaxation. But according to the representative study by YouGov, using smartphones on vacation can lead to conflicts. Although almost half of those surveyed state that they can only really relax without a smartphone, for the majority a holiday without a cell phone or tablet is rarely a reality. Only one percent of the participants do not use digital devices at all when on vacation.
The study revealed that the majority of Germans spend more than an hour a day on their smartphone when on vacation. Almost 30 percent of those surveyed use their cell phones for less than an hour a day, while 25 percent use them for one to two hours. For 14 percent it is two to three hours, for eight percent three to four hours and for six percent even four to five hours. The most used functions are taking photos, staying in touch with family and friends, and researching places of interest. Seven percent even use their smartphone regularly to work on vacation.
Mobile phones on vacation: Different views on the intensity of use
Excessive smartphone use is particularly problematic when it comes to fellow travelers. Regardless of whether you are traveling as a couple, family or group of friends, different understandings of frequency of use can create tension. Almost a quarter of those surveyed said that smartphone or tablet use caused arguments or tense moods while on vacation. There are many reasons for this: 41 percent are bothered by the fact that fellow travelers cannot be spoken to during use, and 37 percent find it problematic if they only take part in the holiday passively.
There are different views, especially among families, on what appropriate smartphone use on vacation means. While 17 percent try to limit their children’s screen time while on vacation, 26 percent have children so busy that usage decreases on its own. However, a quarter of those surveyed also stated that children use mobile devices more often than usual on vacation. At 15 percent, the offspring sits in front of the screen for one to three hours a day, at 9 percent it is even three to five hours. The youngest’s favorite activities are hanging out with friends and family, taking photos, playing games and listening to music. Almost a quarter also posts on social media.
Rules and time limits? The majority prefer not to think about it
In order to ensure harmonious coexistence on vacation, it is advisable to agree on rules and compromises. While 17 percent state that they at least do not use their smartphone during meals, most respondents do not follow any rules regarding smartphone use on vacation.
Clear rules and compromises can help to create a harmonious coexistence, especially for families with children: Nina Hammer, press spokeswoman at HolidayCheck and herself a mother of two daughters, therefore advises: “Parents can involve the children in the holiday planning, for example by choosing the hotel together or discussing the leisure program. Holiday forms such as a stay on a farm with animals or a package tour in a holiday resort with many other children can help the offspring temporarily forget the existence of Ninjago or Peppa Pig.”