Survey Says....

.....that teens can't live without their cells phones, according to a September 15, CNET news post, "Teens view cell phones as essential".

Excerpt: The wireless trade association CTIA and Harris Interactive surveyed some 2,000 teens across the country and learned that teens feel that cell phones have become a vital part of their identities. They also believe that they can gauge a peer's popularity or status by the phone he or she uses.

Specific findings:
1. Teen status indicators (in rank order, high to low): clothing, cell phones, jewelry, watches, shoes.

2. The numbers (based on survey sample)

• 80% (Teens who carry a wireless device)
• 57% (Mobility has improved teens' quality of life.)
• 52% (Cell phones are a new form of entertainment.)
• 80% (Cell phones provide a sense of security, with "needing a ride" mentioned most often.)
• 36% (Dislike the idea of a cell phone pinpointing their exact location.)

3. Texting is replacing talking.

• Equal amount of time spent doing both.
• Texting is preferred for the options it provides (multitaking, speed, avoiding verbal communication, it's fun)
• Life without texting: 47% of teens say their social lives would end or be worsened.
• 42% of teens say they can text blind-folded.