The Mobile Difference

The Mobile Difference, a new report by the Pew Internet & American Life project covers at length the current social implications of mobile internet access in the United States:

“Some 39% of Americans have positive and improving attitudes about their mobile communication devices, which in turn draws them further into engagement with digital resources – on both wireless and wireline platforms.

Mobile connectivity is now a powerful differentiator among technology users. Those who plug into the information and communications world while on-the-go are notably more active in many facets of digital life than those who use wires to jack into the internet and the 14% of Americans who are off the grid entirely.

• Digital collaborators: 8% of adults use information gadgets to collaborate with others and share their creativity with the world
• Ambivalent networkers: 7% of adults actively use mobile devices to connect with others and entertain themselves, yet are ambivalent about all the connectivity
• 8% of Americans find mobility lighting their information pathways, but have comparatively few tech assets at home
• 16% of adults are active conduits of content and information for either fun or for personal productivity
• 61% are anchored to stationary media; though many have broadband and cell phones, coping with access is often too much for them”

– Report overview
– View report online
– Download report

A more journalistic reflection on the study can be found on the site of the Christian Science Monitor.