Women Addicted to the Internet and Mobile Devices

Women Addicted to the Internet and Mobile Devices

Connected Women Survey reveals how a connected but unprotected lifestyle can impact relationships, home and work

Auckland, 3 December 2013 – Women across Australia and New Zealand are addicted to being digitally connected, suggests findings from a snapshot survey by AVG Technologies AUNZ into the lifestyles of women. The report shows two thirds (66%) of respondents spend upward of an hour on an internet capable device during their evening downtime, making it harder to separate work from the home (62%).

The key findings also demonstrated the impact of connected devices on the way women conduct personal relationships:
• 20% investigate potential dates on social media, with 1 in 5 cancelling dates because of what they uncovered (21%)
• Of the 64% of respondents in a long term relationship, ¼ read their partner’s emails and text messages (25%)
• Meanwhile, it appears that women are actually less concerned than their partners, with 29% reporting their partner reads their messages
• Nearly 1 in 10 (7%) would break up with someone via email

Michael McKinnon, Security Advisor at AVG, said: “This local survey clearly shows the extent to which we are addicted to our devices. Two thirds of women reported they spend more than an hour each evening connected to the internet as they communicate with friends and family, work, do domestic administration, read, browse and play games.

“Additionally, nearly half of the women participating in the survey did not use a security pin or passcode to access their connected devices (48%). Of those who did have security software installed, 40% had been prompted by a personal connection.

“The impact connected devices on communication is apparent – 33% of our respondents used texting or calling people as the main purpose of their smartphone. Users need to be wary that these communications, alongside other important details, are easily stored on these devices. We’re seeing a massive disconnect between how readily people use and store information about key aspects of their life on these devices but not securing them properly,” McKinnon says.

The survey also provided insight into workplace mobile device security, and mothering in the digital age. The infographic can be downloaded here. The survey canvassed AVG’s customers in June 2013. 598 women from across Australia, New Zealand and the Pacific Islands responded.

About AVG — www.avg.com
AVG Technologies’ mission is to simplify, optimise and secure the Internet experience, providing peace of mind to a connected world. AVG’s powerful yet easy-to-use software and online services put users in control of their Internet experience. By choosing AVG’s software and services, users become part of a trusted global community that benefits from inherent network effects, mutual protection and support. AVG has grown its user base to 172 million active users as of September 30, 2013 and offers a product portfolio that targets the consumer and small business markets and includes Internet security, PC performance optimization, online backup, mobile security, identity protection and family safety software.

ENDS

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