Cross-National Comparison of Behavior and Norms Regarding Permanent Online Usage: Differences Between Germany, the US, and the Netherlands

• In Event: Problematic Aspects of Being Permanently Online and Permanently Connected: Do the Costs Outweigh the Advantages?

Abstract

A cross-national study compared the extent to which Dutch, German, and US samples used smart-technology (e.g., smartphones, tablets, etc.) to remain permanently online and permanently connected (POPC) to others. Specifically, we examined POPC in terms of (1) usage differences, (2) users’ perceptions of appropriate use (for self and others), and (3) the relationship between users’ perceptions of appropriate use for self and others.
First, results revealed that German respondents (M = 4.31, SD = 1.15; N = 176) used their smart-devices significantly less than respondents in the US (M = 5.39, SD = 1.26; N = 314) and in the Netherlands (M = 5.17, SD = 1.02; N = 222). This suggests that US and Dutch respondents use their devices more than several times per hour, whereas German respondents use their devices closer to once per hour. Further, it appeared that those in the US and in the Netherlands were more likely to sleep with their devices in bed with them, while those in Germany were satisfied if their device was on a bedside table. All respondents reported using their devices the most when home alone, waiting in line, or on public transport to check social networking sites, the time, and send text-messages. Second, across all three samples, users thought it most inappropriate for themselves and others to be POPC when driving, in social settings with others, or in intimate moments with romantic partners. Third, across all three samples, there was a significant inverse relationship between how often people were POPC in certain settings and their annoyance with others’ POPC behavior in those settings. Specifically, the more people were POPC while driving, with others, or in intimate moments with partners, the less they were annoyed with others who engaged in these same behaviors (r = -.19). To our knowledge, no other research has examined POPC, either within or across nations. Thus, these findings provide a first look at normative POPC behaviors and perceptions in the US, Germany, and the Netherlands. Given the lack of prior research examining POPC use patterns, our results should be especially important to new media scholars.

Authors

• Lindsay S Hahn, Michigan State University

• Nicole C. Kashian, Michigan State U

• Ying Cheng, Michigan State U

• Ron Tamborini, Michigan State U