A poll conducted by ICR (International Communications Research) claims that two-thirds of mobile phone and PDA owners may swap them with newer ones in the subsequent 2 years.
As predicted, it is the odds of the younger generation that have a higher likelihood to replace sooner. Around 77% of people in the 18-34 age groups intend to substitute the devices in the following two years as against 46% of those who are over 65 years.
Around 78% of the owners are of the opinion that their devices may require replacing in the next 2 years as they will either be spoilt, broken or can be misplaced too. Around only 19% want to purchase the newest version at that time. Upgraders also differ by age with about 26% of 18-34 year-olds mentioning they want to upgrade whereas there are only 14% respondents in the 55+ age group who want to.
It was also observed that irrespective of age, men seemed to be more likely to be upgraders as compared to women. The poll alleged that 23% of men vs. 14% of women mention that they will upgrade to the newiest version.
Bob Thomas, Executive Vice President of ICR, commented, “A combination of factors seems to be driving these expectations that cell phones and PDAs will have to be replaced. Lack of confidence in the durability of the product and the experience of losing the phone may be contributing to the expectation of a relatively short life of these products, particularly among younger people. On the other hand, the percentage who say they want the latest version and will upgrade as quickly as possible is lower than we expected, suggesting that we should not rush to label ourselves as a ‘disposable society.”
It was surprising to note people to be environmentally conscious as it played a function in disposing the devices. Around 61% of respondents will donate or recycle. About 35% mentioned that they will donate or dispose their used product, while 26% are of the opinion that they will either take it to a site or put it for recycling.
It was also seen that age plays a role when it comes to donating the devices. Apparently people over 35 are more likely to donate with 41% agreeing to donate as opposed to 25% in the 18-34 age groups. Even with recycling similar thing is observed. Around 17% of the 18-34 age groups would recycle as compared to 32% in the 35+ age group or even 39% in the 55+ age group.
Bob Thomas ultimately mentioned this appears to be an opportunity to educate all consumers about the need for and the benefits of recycling phones and iPhones, but particularly the younger population.