Canadians are a wired, wired bunch
We published a blog entry here about “disconnection anxiety” among Canadian tech users who must go without their Internet or phone for a short period of time (heaven forbid). This same report from Solutions Research Group found some other interesting factoids about tech-loving Canadians.
We published a blog entry here about "disconnection anxiety" among Canadian tech users who must go without their Internet or phone for a short period of time (heaven forbid). This same report from Solutions Research Group found some other interesting factoids about tech-loving Canadians.
Check this out:
In 1998, only 34 percent of Canadians were online, and just 1 in 10 had access to high-speed Internet at home. Cell phones were used by less than 30 percent of the population.
Ten years later, however…
Internet use in Canada has more than doubled, now with 75 percent – or 3 out of 4 Canadians – who spend time online.
About 8 million Canadians use instant messaging daily, an about the same number of Facebook users.
Today there are more than 19 million cell phone users in Canada, and 7 out of 10 of those say their phone is always with them.
A typical Canadian between the ages of 12 and 24 sends and receives 90 text messages each week.
More than 2 million Canadians use a BlackBerry or another smartphone.
Filed Under: Handhelds
Well it's hard to beleive that so many are connected to the internet. I was in S.Korea for 12 years and upon my return I was so frustrated to see how few plublic places actually have access to a computer and internet for the public to use when traveling. I must admit after looking at the situation that this country is far behind compared to Asia. Come on Canada we can do better than this. The same goes for cellular phone, this is highway robbery what companies charge for monthly fees. It's the biggest rip off I have ever seen. Check out the prices in other countries to see the differences.
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I agree with Carole that cellphone prices are way to high.
Why is the demographic always 12 to 24 or 18 to 30.
What about people my age – mature. Which means over
65. How about 75? I'm onthe internet everyday and
send and receive emails everyday. No cell phone and
don't want one. Go Canada – we're wired.
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I hope the cell phone rates go up 2x do people realy need to use them so much , idle chit chat by most teens
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I think the total amount of cell phone usage is way too much. As well as the pricing. I never have, and never will have one, in my opinion they are taking away our freedom from every day life. Nothing is more annoying than being in the middle of a conversation then have that person's cell phone ring. They are also ruining some people's lives by never being able to leave work, always being available for work means never being available for life, whether it means your family, friends, or a relaxing weekend. Something has to give and unfortunatly for some, the work gets top priority.
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seriously? cell phones are ruing our lives? if anything they have made them much more easy to do everyday living. Think of the last time you were in a grocery store and needed to know if you remebered everything. Wasn't it easy to make a quick 20 second call home right there in the isle. And I do have to agree that cell companies charge WAY to much for what they are providing to use. They claim that its to keep up with technology, but really?
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I have developed several anomalies in my cranium which track with the antenna on my cell phone. I am a self -employed taxi operator and rely on the cell phone for business. I normally use a couple thousand minutes per month on my phone. For the love of God, get the cell phones out of your kid's hands. My son is 11. I hope I get to see him graduate. The cell phone companies and our own personal stupidity is murdering us. It is a known fact that cell phone radiation causes brain tumours. Limit their use!!!! Please!
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I don't feel surprise about it… In US, the Cell phone % exceeds 80%. MOst of European Countries , it is over 100%!!!
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well i just have to say being a young persons who fits in the 12 – 24. i can see why cell phones are so big. its not because we all ways want them but you have parents that want to know where thire kids are and it seems so eazy just to give your kid a cell phone and you can keep track. then the kids use it for evertehing why cuz often they dont have to pay for it. I did not want a cell phone when they first came out but my parents isited that i have a cell phone so they can know where i am, And now im changed to my phone. its is truly a bad thing and for thos paranoid parent i guess pease of mind is more than an obseen cell phone bill.
But the internet is a great thing just we are so over charged than other countrys, witch makes me mad. Beacuse the more poor coutnrys have better internet then we do. i mean a well of county like canada and we are like way behind some countrys on the intetnet seeped and compasity it crazy. but canadains are weird we are ok with just ok service and paying way too much for things some people cant "live" with out.
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I think that is a good thing, it allows Canada to stay connected
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the only thing that keeps me wired is either my notebook or desktop. I used to have a cellphone but I got rid of it to decrease monthly expenses. I only used it for urgent purposes, otherwise now that I don't have one I usually borrow friends' cellies.
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Kurty,
You missed Andrew's points entirely; not surprisingly, as you appear to be part of the problem, making calls home "right in the middle of the isle" (also spelled "aisle"). How convenient for you, how annoying for others. I am tired of listening to people's "clever" cell phone rings, their private conversations in a loud voice (especially when they get into an argument)such as the ever popular: "I'm on the bus to Mississauga. I'll be home in twenty minutes. I'm on the bus I tell you!… I told you… Twenty minutes!.. I'm… on.. the.. BUS!" I am tired of people playing tinny, scratchy tunes for their friends on the darned things. We need to develop a cell phone etiquette, just as we have telephone etiquette – and find some reasonable way of enforcing it. I suggest public officials be empowered to empound the devices and remove their batteries when users are behaving offensively.
This is a serious problem… Cellphones are a form of social pollution.
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cell phones r the bigest,most useless expense that any1,in their right mind,even the 1n`s who need them 4 work can cost themselves. But hey that`s just money. Right ? no 1 can LIVE without a cell phone. This is the reason (1 major reason) why people think they NEED THEM.Tell your self, Now that I have a cell phone cuz I CAN`T "LIVE" without it, I can spend what little $$$$$$ I have left paying the charges to use it. Great Right? Now when some1 texts you that it is dinner time, you should eat something you can text them back asking 4 the number of the food bank! Cuz you don`t have any money left to buy food.But don`t worry be happy,cuz u KNOW you CAN "LIVE" without food, but NOT without your cell phone! Afterall the charies will always be willing to help u out.Even if you r stupid!!! tt4n.Remember you can "live" on FOOD 4 THOUGHT, you just NEED to "THINK"! FOOD 4 Thought OR food 4 stomach? hmmmmmmmm?
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By the way, when the food bank says you have too much money,so, they can`t help you, don`t worry,be happy, cuz now you can take your cell phone to Pizza Pizza, donate it to them,(so they can give it to another not quite right up top person ) and get them in the same spot u r in,AND your hunger problem won`t be a problem,cuz Pizza Pizza will GIVE you a WHOLE SLICE OF pepperonie or cheese pizza 4 it!!!!!WOW you Just saved yourself the price of a peice of pizza! wow! maybe next month you can do the same thing right. Remember Pizza IS GOOD food!!!
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Boo Hoo Brian
I've never heard so many whiners in my life. Your busy trying to correct spelling and compaining about social pollution. I would assume your a teacher with nothing better to do than try and lecture. Get a Life. Cell Phones aern't going anywhere and think of how many lives they've saved. I agree about not driving while talking but other than that they do far more good than bad.
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Cells phones are a life ruiner , look at intersection and see how many ppl have them on while driving , is it reallythat important to drive with a phone , i think there should be a huge fine for such idiots and one comment on here about teens using them for there parents to check up on them … uhh yeah right so far i havent seen a teen talking to their parents on them its ushally there frind whos 20 feet away .. and thats my 2 cents
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The "disconnection anxiety" is not a result of withdrawal from our technological dependency, but evidence of our delusion that we are actually making connections through technology. In reality, overuse and dependence on technology can create more disconnection between family and friends.
Today, more and more young people do not actually get out and make face to face connections with others. Instead, they communicate via facebook, cell phones, or instant text messaging. Face to face communication is already a challenge, but with all these technological barriers we have lost a sense of community and connection. Virtual communities such as facebook are not real and are often popularity contests. The people behind facebook are only interested in using our information for marketing purposes because they want to create a desire in us to keep buying.
Also, an overuse of public cell phone use has created an intrusive environment where people are blatantly talking loudly about their personal lives in public without regard to those who do not care to listen.
In short, some modern conveniences are there to make our lives easier, and they serve a purpose, but we should not depend on any objects and they should never replace taking the time to make honest and personal connections with people. Ask yourself this question: do I really need this object? The influential members of society create a demand because they want us to keep buying, so they can keep on making money.
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Ok seriously people, get a grip.. I am 33 and I have had a cell phone for over 13 years. I used to use it all the time for personal reasons, but, now that I am a sub-contrator, it is needed. It get used for business. If it rings, and it isn't important, forward it to your answering service, if it is important take the call. It is a fact of life that allot of people need the cell phone.
But, when it comes to teenagers having a cell, I say, get them one, but, have a limit on the usage. Only certain numbers can be called in or not, or get them a pay and talk and make them pay for it. Eventually, landlines are going to be the thng of the past and all is going to be wireless. SO, it is time for everybody that is negative to have a reality check.
And for those users that use them while driving, if it is a headset like a blue tooth or somethng, I can understand them using it, but other wise, ban the usage. Cell phones don't ruin anyones life. That kind of talk comes from negative people.
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I agree that Cell Phones have a need. But I have to agree that there should be Cell Phone etiquette in place. People when you go to a Drive Thru make sure you are not talking on the phone. This is just plain rude! If the conversation is that important then pull off to the side and let someone else through. I dont know how many times my staff have had people pull up while talking on the phone. Give me a break… and then when they pull up to the window they totally ignor the cashier and then complain that they didnt get everything they wanted. Some people need to give thier head a shake!
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I agree, cell phones are the way of the future. They far more positive affect then negative.
In australia they have vending machines now that allow you to text a number associated with the product and it will be charged on your phone bill at the end of the month.
I wouldn't be surprised if in 50 years there will be a device that holds all your personal information (money, car keys, house keys, ID, ect) as well as access to the internet and have a form of comunication (video phone, or just a plain phone)
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The typical Canadian between the ages of 12 & 24 receives HOW MANY texts each week????? Based on thse numbers, that's roughly 360 a month… My 18 year-old daughter racks up in excess of 3500 messages a month… 10 times that of the "typical" Canadian… and she's as typical as they come…
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