According to the Digital in 2017 Global Overview study, almost two-thirds of the world's population now have a smartphone. That's a lot of people. And, as you're probably aware, us millennials living in England are practically glued to our mobiles. But what about the rest of the world? Are they as attached to their tech gadgets as we are? The Debrief investigates...
United Kingdom
Full-time student Chloe Sweet, 22, told us 'I think I'm much more dependent on technology than I care to admit. Once, I lost my phone and had to go a couple of weeks without it, and it was really difficult. I organise my life around my phone and use it for communication. When I'm at university, I'll use it to FaceTime my family, organise nights out on social media, and even create and share playlists collaboratively on Spotify. Also, I get my university timetable and emails through to my phone so it helps me manage my schedule.'
Although Chloe admits that she's 'shamefully addicted to [her] phone', she does 'avoid using it when hanging out with friends or family.' Understandably, she thinks 'that's where a lot of problems with technology lie - people are neglecting their real lives for virtual ones.' Plus, she tells us 'when I'm on my own, I do very often end up spending ages on my phone just being completely unproductive. Sometimes I get really exasperated with social media (especially Instagram), because it has a really negative impact on my self-esteem.'
But, having said that, Chloe does acknowledge that while she'd love to be able to switch off from tech, she would 'feel completely out of the loop.' See, FOMO happens to the best of us.
Australia
Social and Insights Manager Amy Cooper, 25, told The Debrief: 'I use my phone much more than I'd like to admit. It's definitely the first thing I look at when I wake up and the last thing I look at before I go to sleep (although I've started making a big effort to trade it in for a book before bed). I'm probably on it for at least an hour or so each day - and that's a very conservative estimate. There's not really an aspect of my life that isn't covered by my phone and most of my activity is app-based. Generally Facebook, Instagram, Snapchat, Google Maps, Spotify and the Podcast app chew up my battery.' Pretty much the same as us in the UK, then.
'I think most people in my age group are pretty on top of technology, and updating their phones every two years at the very least. We're definitely shifting towards mobile as the primary screen. I do still use my laptop but that's mostly for work, and given the size of my current iPhone, I don't see the point in having a tablet. I'd much rather watch a TV show on my laptop but I will admit I've used the Netflix app once or twice on my mobile. The only downside is I didn't have anything to scroll through while I was watching my shows,' Amy tells us.
And her phone etiquette? Well, she describes it as 'pretty atrocious. I find myself really stressed and anxious when I can't check my mobile, which isn't ideal or healthy. I recently flew long haul from Sydney to London and I was busting to get onto the WiFi as soon as I landed. Because my work is online I definitely use that as an excuse to check my phone in situations where I should probably leave it in my bag, but I am definitely making an effort not to use it in certain social settings - however I might slink off to the bathroom, phone in hand, to check it.'
Spain
Declan Fisher, 24, moved from London to Barcelona a few years ago, and told us that his phone usage has hardly changed since settling down in Spain. This is partly because his network allows him 'to use data at no extra cost, which is perfect for sending or receiving messages and checking wider news', but also because 'Barcelona, like London, is pretty hot on technology. The Spanish use of technology is probably almost identical to that of the English.'
In fact, Barcelona may even be one step ahead, as Declan states that 'often bars and restaurants will have electronic methods to order food, plus, generally more places have free WiFi here than in England.'
However, when it comes to mobile phones, Declan told us that it's 'far less common for people in Barcelona to have the latest iPhone or Samsung than it is in England. This is because most people here don't get phone contracts and just buy phones instead. Even most of the contracts offered here don't come with a new phone upgrade.'
America
Social Media Editor Jeryl Lippe, 22, admitted: 'I use my phone pretty consistently all day. I depend on it for so much: it's my alarm to wake up; it has my train ticket loaded on it; it has my banking information; and it's my map, so it's essential. Plus, I work in social media, so I'm posting on Instagram all day.' In terms of using it for communication, just like any other 20-something year old, Jeryl finds 'texting easier when it's a group chat and you're trying to make plans with multiple people, but if I'm looking for a quick or immediate answer, I'll call someone.'
When asking her if American millennials are as hot-to-trot with their mobile gadgets as the rest of the world, Jeryl tells us that the country 'is pretty big, and varies a lot from city to city, but in New York [where she's based], people really love staying up-to-date with technology. Lots of people need modern phones and computers for work and even people in the older generation have the newest iPad.'
Germany
Fashion PR Manager Dominique St. John, 27, told The Debrief: 'Berlin is full of hipsters. So, when it comes to getting the newest technology, they are more laid back than people in London - Berliners wouldn't queue up for hours to buy the newest Apple product. While it's cool to have the newest iPhone or Samsung Galaxy, it's also cool to possess a Nokia. Hipster also means being individual and if you have something different to everyone else, you’re a trendsetter.'
According to Dominique, millennials living in Berlin may rely on their phones more than us Brits. She states that 'mobile phones offer so much to Berliners – from renting a city car, to rating a restaurant on Google or buying a metro ticket – with your phone, you’re sorted. Plus, many young Germans don't have a TV in Berlin. They tend to watch programmes or listen to songs on mobiles or laptops.'
While Dominique admits that she can't live without her phone, she reassures us 'when I'm with friends, I like to have my phone out as I want to engage and spend time with the person I am with. I like to take a digital detox now and again and head to an anti-technology spa, as the Berlin lifestyle can get a bit too much sometimes.'
Hong Kong
Freelance Brand Strategist Martin Reid, 26, moved from London to Hong Kong, and commented that the city is 'up to speed with the latest mobile phones, but there is a huge disconnect with Hong Kongers owning such powerful gadgets with how mobile technology impacts everyday life. Despite Hong Kong’s own share of homegrown app-based services and it's versatile Octopus card (which can be used at restaurants, laundromats and convenience stores, putting London’s Oyster card to shame), techno-cultural innovation is still lacking in Hong Kong compared to other developed countries.'
In terms of popular apps amongst millennials, Martin tells us that 'WhatsApp is king in Hong Kong, but other social apps such as WeChat and Line have made their mark here too.' Plus, 'while there is enthusiasm for the latest mobile gadgets, laptops and tablets don’t have the same visibility or priority as traditional desktops in offices or around the city.'
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This article originally appeared on The Debrief.