Commentary

52% Don't Unplug When On Vacation

The Internet of Things is about connections and connecting, and it looks like many consumers have a tough time actually disconnecting, even when on vacation.

Despite the benefits of unplugging, most people want to stay connected, based on a study out today.

While on vacation, the majority (52%) of U.S. consumers spend at least an hour a day using their connected devices to check email, text and post to social media.

The study comprised a survey of 2,000 U.S. adults who use a connected device daily. The study was conducted by MSI International for McAfee.

Despite the connecting habits on vacation, many consumers say they would be willing to leave some of their gadgets behind, although some (9%) would not be willing to leave any connecting device at home. Here’s what they would be willing to leave at home while on vacation:

  • 72% -- Laptop
  • 60% -- Tablet
  • 46% -- Wearable device (Apple Watch, Fitbit, etc.)
  • 27% -- Smartphone

Device usage on vacation does differs from when not. For example, when not on vacation, only 4% of consumers use a connected device for less than an hour. On vacation, that number jumps to 37%, so the connection remains but the time connecting decreases significantly.

Who is on vacation with a person also has an impact, with most (68%) consumers most likely to unplug while on vacation with a significant other or with family. When traveling with their children, most (77%) parents allow their children to use Internet-connected devices while on a trip, with 73% of parents monitoring what their child is doing on the device.

Interestingly, consumers view being unplugged as totally disconnecting. This means no Internet usage, connected device usage, social media, email, work-related activities on a connected device, app usage or phone calls.

That is totally off the grid.

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