Dependence on the functions of the charged smartphone is not only becoming strange for commuters
Commuters and smartphone-savvy people divide time and space primarily according to the charging status of their cell phones. That's the finding of researchers at Cass Business School. Accordingly, commuters measure the distance they travel every day and the time required based on the distance from charging stations. “People no longer think about whether they should travel ten kilometers or take the subway for ten stops,” says study leader Thomas Robinson. The new benchmark is the battery symbol on mobile devices.
Dead battery causes anxiety
A full battery makes the participants in the study positive, as interviews have shown. This makes them feel like they can go anywhere and do anything. “A battery charge below 50 percent creates deep anxiety and discomfort.” One of the participants described the effect as follows: “A full battery means the day will be good. If it is only 50 percent, I remember to prevent updates from being downloaded in the background. When 30 percent is reached, the fun is over,” at least until the next charging station comes into sight.
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According to the researchers, this almost total dependence is due to the fact that mobile communication devices are now much more than just telephones. They have served as wallets, pedometers, navigation devices, entertainment media, provide quick access to social media and much more. It is said that battery symbols determine whether the owner of the device can fulfill its tasks or not.
Battery determines the daily routine
Battery charging management structures many people's daily routines, say the researchers. They are practically defined by the state of charge of their batteries. Those who are strongly influenced by this characterize themselves as control freaks, planners, fussy and “a little disturbed”. People who regularly forget to charge batteries on time are viewed as disorganized and careless.
“We found that those who don't pay attention to the charge level of their smartphones are viewed by the rest as out of touch with reality,” says Robinson. They could not be considered competent members of society. “Smartphones have become so important that poor battery charge management has become a symbol of the inability to manage one’s own life,” summarizes study leader Robinson.
Source: pte
Article image: Shutterstock / By Daniel Krason
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