For many Dutch people the day starts with a look at their smartphone. A habit that seems to have become indispensable for many, while the use of calling is increasing more and more. What are smartphones still used for?
Souhayla Badwy
Research by Ivox commissioned by Swappie (online store for the purchase and sale of refurbished smartphones, especially iPhones) shows that 59% of the Dutch immediately check their smartphone after waking up. Young people under 27 (68%) in particular have this habit, while 52% of the boomers do the same. The research shows how different generations use their smartphone and which trends are visible in it.
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Difference in generations
The study shows that almost half (48%) of the Dutch cannot miss their smartphone for more than a few days, while 30% say they can. It is striking that Boomers (36%) think a little more often than Gen Z’ers (32%) without being able to get a smartphone. Men (33%) also say they can do more often without a smartphone than women (72%).
More free time and less calling
The research indicates that less smartphone use can yield a lot of ‘free’ time: those who are less on their phone one hour a day will win 15 ‘free’ days back on an annual basis. Five hours a day less means even 76 extra ‘free’ days a year.
We use our smartphones not only more often, but also in other ways. Calling is becoming less and less popular: 59% of the Dutch prefer sending messages. For young people under 27 this is even 85%. Speech reports are hardly used: only 11% of the Dutch choose for this.
Smartphone offer in secondary schools
In addition, the smartphone ban has an impact at high schools. Since January 1, 2024, students are no longer allowed to use their phone in the classroom, which ensures more social interaction and better focus during the lessons. Yet for some students it remains a challenge to make contact without a phone.
At home, parents also sometimes try to limit the smartphone use of their children. But do they set a good example themselves? According to experts, it is important that parents not only impose rules, but also look critically at their own screen time.
About the research
The online research was conducted by research agency Ivox commissioned by Swappie between 12 September and 1 October 2024. A total of 2,000 Dutch people participated, representative of gender, language, age and diploma. The maximum margin of error for 2,000 Dutch people is 2.08%.
Want to know more about smartphone use among the Dutch? Read also almost a quarter of the Dutch rather have a smartphone than going out for dinner