Social media addiction keeps people interconnected, detaching them from their surroundings

Vacationing was once considered a getaway from the dreary work routine full of hectic schedules. It has become a solution to alleviate anxiety and reconnect with nature. However, research has recently gathered data that shows young people feel detached and concerned over not uploading content on social media platforms during traveling.

In today’s world, young people are more associated with their near and dear ones through social media, even when traveling. You can stay in touch with your friend living miles away from you through social media. It is noted that around 37% of Gen X only contact their families and friends when they are on a trip. In contrast, 48% of people report calling their immediate relatives when an unusual incident occurs during a road trip.

The survey analyzed that 39% and 32% of travelers prefer voice and video calls respectively, and only 47% rely on text. However, when Gen X still makes phone calls, 54% of Gen Z like texting and 41% of the Net generation rely on WhatsApp and Viber for communication.

The OnePoll researchers in partnership with At&T experimented on 3,000 United States citizens, including 18 to 25 aged Generation Z, 26–41 aged individuals of Gen Y, 42 to 57 years Generation X, and 58 to 76 years baby boomers. The results showed that 60% of people, irrespective of age, will get lost if they don't have their guiding tech gadgets. Moreover, 36% of individuals recorded dissatisfaction until they share their holiday details on social media.

It is significant to note that after years of imposed lockdown because of the epidemic, people were hatching plans to roam around cities and move freely to breathe in the fresh air. It is noted that 37% of the population went on more trips after the government lifted the restrictions. Yet, 47% of people agreed that the lifting of pandemic restrictions has motivated them to travel frequently.

Besides, 35% of Americans said that too many restrictions during traveling were a drawback for them. Nearly 29% of people avoid vacations if their preferred restaurants or airlines aren’t available. Other than that, connectivity to smartphones is the most crucial factor while traveling internationally. 7 out of 10 people approve that unlimited talk, text, and high-speed data are essential. Only 32% count on free internet connections, while 40% generally have data packages. According to the reports, 32% of individuals preferred North America for vacations, 24% preferred Europe for their summer vacations, and The Caribbean or the Bahamas and Central America were additional destinations. They further highlighted mobile phones and tablets, face masks, 37% hand sanitizers, and 19% remote Covid testing appliances as traveling essentials.

Furthermore, the most used app while traveling is considered to be Google Maps, marking 37% usage, whereas Google Translate is used by 28% of people, airline apps by 27%, and booking apps by 28%. For good measure, Gen Z relies more on Google Translate than Gen X while on a road trip.

Senior VP of AT&T wireless product marketing, Jeni Bell, states that people are looking for easy connecting solutions with family and friends to ensure simplicity and affordability. As people are hitting the road most frequently nowadays; making video calls or uploading photos on social applications has become a need of an hour.


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