Study reveals attitudes of cellphone users

In the Philippines, where one of two mobile phone users uses the short message service (SMS) or text messaging more than 10 times everyday, it is the men who use this medium to express their love more.

According to a recent study conducted by independent research house, Asia Market Intelligence, and commissioned by Siemens Mobile Devices, 61 percent of the male mobile phone owners claim to send love messages to their partners or spouses, compared to only 51 percent for females.

Findings from the research imply that mobile phones have become an intricate part of today’s lifestyles, regardless of age, gender and nationality.

"As the penetration of mobile phones increases in the Philippines, we see a growing influence of the communication tool not only on the user himself, but also on his friends and loved ones," said Baby Revilla, assistant vice president of Siemens, Inc. Communication Devices. "A mobile phone is no longer just a technology gadget. Whether you are young or old, male or female, it inspires emotions and brings people closer together."

Besides filling the air with love messages, SMS is also a more popular activity among the younger ones. According to the research, 59 percent of the users in the age group between 15 to 34 years old send more than 10 text messages a day while only 23 percent in the older age group between 35 to 64 years old claim to do so.

The younger generation of users also found that it is easier to meet new members of the opposite sex since getting a mobile phone. Forty seven percent of the users in the age group 15 to 34 agree versus only 30 percent in the older age group. In addition, more young users tend to use the mobile phone as a personal communication tool, with 35 percent in the 15 to 34 age group spending more time talking on the phone to friends than business associates. For the older generation, the majority uses the mobile phone as a business tool while only seven percent more time chatting to friends.

The Siemens mobile lifestyle survey was completed in January 2001 as part of AMI AsiaBUSâ„¢, a regular omnibus survey. Over 800 interviews were conducted in each of the following markets: Indonesia, Malaysia, Philippines, Singapore, Thailand and India. Respondents were male and female, aged 15 to 64.