Intel Says People Misuse Mobile Technology and Lack Etiquette

With each new progress, the possibility of misusing it is ever present, and Intel actually sponsored a study, conducted by Ipsos, that found a worrisome level of so-called mobile device misuse.

As end-users know, quite a few mobile devices have been released over the past year, especially during the MWC 2011 show.

In fact, the Mobile World Congress was the site where many smart phones and tablets were launched.

Of course, mobile devices have that allure that makes users want to use them all the time and everywhere.

This means that some may end up using them too much, enough that they may bother others through what Intel's press release dubs lack of “mobile etiquette.”

“The mobile technology is still relatively novel. After all, it was just 8 years ago that Intel integrated WiFi into the computer with its Intel Centrino processor technology, thus enabling the unwired laptop,” said Genevieve Bell, Intel Fellow and head of interaction and experience research, Intel Labs.

“Smart phones, tablets and other mobile devices are really still in their infancy, so it’s no surprise that people still struggle with how to best integrate these devices into their lives.”

Per the study, nine out of ten American adults claimed to have witnessed misuse of mobile technology, like texting while driving, using mobiles on the honeymoon or sending e-mails while walking, etc.

Meanwhile, 75% of US adults believe that mobile manners are worse now than they were in 2009.

Considering that 85% of US adults own a cellphone and 52% have a laptop, this means a very large number of users.

“New digital technologies are becoming a mainstay in consumers’ lives, but we haven’t yet worked out for ourselves, our families, communities and societies what all the right kinds of behaviors and expectations will be,” Bell said.

“Our appropriate digital technology behaviors are still embryonic, and it’s important for Intel and the entire industry to maintain a dialogue about the way people use technology and our personal relationships with technology as they continue to help shape societal and cultural norms.”