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Singaporean addiction to mobile phones

http://news.monstersandcritics.com/asiapacific/article_1022444.php/Singaporean_addiction_to_mobile_p....

Jun 26, 2005, 7:39 GMT

Singaporeans have become so addicted to their cellphones 60 per cent of those queried even use them while sitting on the toilet, a survey revealed on Sunday.

The Sunday Times poll on cellphone usage and habits found users would rather lose their purse or identity card than their cellphone.

The 150 people queried between 14 and 40 affirmed that the gadget has, in less than 10 years, become an integral part of their lives. They cite its many roles as a camera, organizer, alarm clock, calculator, and music machine.

Six out of 10 told the newspaper they continue talking even when nature calls although the person on the other end can hear the flushing and other awkward noises.

"What's the big deal?" It's not as if the other party can smell your stink," businesswoman Wileen Chang, 35, was quoted as saying.

Fifty-six per cent of the young use their phones to flirt, sending SMS messages to those they fancy. Eighteen per cent find it expedient for breaking up.

Sociology professor Chung Wai-Keung, with Singapore Management University, said the cellphone will become increasingly indispensable as it becomes more affordable, effective and has additional functions.

"It not only communicates information, but also allows a person to share his or her emotions with others very easily," Chung was quoted as saying.

Nearly every Singaporean owns a cellphone, similar to proportions in Hong Kong and Taiwan.

Aloysius Hoong, analyst with research form IDC Asia/Pacific, said cellphones are no longer a status symbol, but a necessity.

"My mobile phone is my rice bowl," said businessman Danny Low, 37, who sells plumbing fixtures. "All my clients' numbers are in it. I have no idea how to build another contact list that spans over 30 years