Larry Magid: Americans Addicted To Smartphones

SAN FRANCISCO (KCBS) – A new study shows that Americans can't put down their smartphones, even in some unusual places.

According to the Mobile Customer Habits study, conducted on behalf of Jumio, a next generation credentials management company based in Palo Alto, smartphone usage is so prevalent in Americans' everyday lives that 9% of smartphone owners surveyed admit to having used their phone during sex, along with unexpected places like the shower (12%) or in a church or place of worship (19%).

72% of respondents said they are within five feet of their smartphones the majority of the time and admit using their devices in places like the movie theater, during a dinner date or at a child's school function. More than half of the 2,021 adults surveyed also admitted to using their smartphones while driving.

The survey also found that 59% keep their phones password-protected – but many still fear what will happen if their phone ends up in someone else's hand.

You can hear Larry Magid's Tech Report Monday through Friday at 3:50pm on KCBS All News 740AM and 106.9FM.

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