Mobile Advisor

Not to get too personal here, but: According to a new survey by Osterman Research, 11 percent of adults have used their mobile phones "during a romantic moment" (their italics, not mine).

Is that your phone vibrating, or did you go shopping at Toys in Babeland (link might not be safe work) again?

That's not the only fun factoid to be had from the online survey, which polled 148 alleged adults. Roughly 1 out of 5 people use their mobiles during weddings and funerals (hopefully not while participating in the actual ceremony). About 40 percent make calls riding horses, bikes, or airplanes, despite regulations strictly prohibiting the use of portable electronics. Almost 80 percent do it while driving their cars and, yes, 4 out of 5 people use their mobiles in the bathroom.

Sadly, the survey is completely mum about how many people are using their mobiles during intimate moments in airplane restrooms. That's what I'd really like to know.

Personally, I like to keep both hands on the wheel, if you know what I mean. But everybody knows at least one Crackberry head or iPhonaholic. Sure, they may be looking you in the eyes, but under the table their thumbs are working overtime.

Overall, 95 percent of people surveyed were surgically attached to their mobiles, using them night and day for work or play. The survey's larger point: Mobile devices are both highly critical and yet highly vulnerable to downtime and data loss [PDF]. (It was sponsored by The Neverfail Group, a disaster recovery vendor.)

Right around here I'm supposed to bemoan the continuing decline of western civilization and our growing personal alienation, but I'm not. All this connectedness is not necessarily a terrible thing, according to yet another study by the Pew Internet and American Life Project.