The Shocking Numbers Behind Cellphone Usage

Ring-a-ding-ding! The shocking numbers behind cellphone usage is here! In all seriousness though, it’s incredible to think about how cell phones have drastically altered how we live our daily lives. Which is why it comes as no surprise as to why they’ve become so popular.

Be sure to check out the numbers from our infographic below explaining just how important our little devices have become.

The infographic "The Shocking Numbers Behind Cellphone Usage" provides a detailed overview of cellphone usage trends and statistics, particularly focusing on text messaging and smartphone use in America.

Key Statistics:

1. Text Messaging:

   • 200 trillion text messages are received in America every day.
   • This exceeds an entire year's worth of regular mail in the U.S.
   • The average American teen sends 3,339 texts per month, a 566% increase in two years.
   • 42% of teens can text message blindfolded.

2. Primary Uses of Cellphones:

   • Besides checking the time, texting is the most common use of cellphones.
   • Other major uses include taking pictures (83%), playing music (60%), playing games (46%), exchanging videos (32%), surfing the web (27%), and engaging in social networking (23%).

3. Decline of Voice Calls:

   • There is a notable decline in the number of voice minutes used by teens and adults, with a significant increase in text messaging.

4. Spending on Mobile Devices:

   • Americans spent $42.8 million on mobile devices in 2010.
   • This figure is projected to increase to $1.8 billion by 2015.

5. Mobile App Downloads:

   • Downloads increased from 300 million in 2009 to 5 billion in 2010.
   • Apple is responsible for 99.4% of app downloads.

6. American Smartphone Market Share (2010):

   • Apple iOS: 27.9%
   • RIM Blackberry: 27.4%
   • Google Android: 22.7%
   • Windows Mobile: 14%
   • Other operating systems include Symbian, Linux, and Palm.

The infographic highlights the dramatic rise in text messaging and mobile app downloads, underscoring the pivotal role of smartphones in modern communication and entertainment. It reflects the shifting consumer preferences from traditional voice calls to a more text- and data-centric mobile usage.