Whether they're in the bathroom, driving, on vacation, or even in church, people in the United States are using mobile devices to constantly check their e-mail. E-mail use on mobile devices has nearly doubled since 2004, and 59% of those with mobile devices check e-mail every time it arrives in their in-boxes, according to AOL's surveys, conducted in partnership with Opinion Research.
The surveys polled more than 4,000 respondents, ages 13 and older, in 20 cities across the country.
Forty-three percent of respondents said they keep their mobile devices nearby when they're sleeping to listen for incoming mail. With such a large number of the population getting broken sleep, it's no surprise that 15% of respondents described themselves as "addicted to e-mail," with many planning their vacations in places where they'll be able to access it. Eighty-three percent admit to checking their e-mail on vacation, the survey found.
Fifty-nine percent of people said they check e-mail in bed, 53% in the bathroom, 37% while they drive, and 12% admitted to checking e-mail in church.
"As the survey data shows, portable devices -- like e-mail itself -- are becoming more prevalent and easier to use. Because you can access e-mail services like AOL from virtually anywhere and on almost any wireless device, it is easier to stay connected to work, home, family, and friends through e-mail -- and instant messaging as well -- than any other form of communication," said Regina Lewis, AOL online consumer adviser, in a statement.
The survey found that mobile users in Washington, D.C., are most addicted to wireless e-mail, with 82% of Washingtonians having multiple e-mail accounts. The second-most-addicted city is Atlanta, followed by New York; San Francisco; Houston; Los Angeles; Seattle; Orlando, Fla.; Denver; and Miami.
