Intel Study Reveals Importance of Keeping Tech Tasteful During the Holidays

Survey Finds Most U.S. Adults Won`t Tolerate Mobile Technology Etiquette
Violations, Especially During Holiday Gatherings
SANTA CLARA, Calif.--(Business Wire)--
According to the recent "Intel Holiday Mobile Etiquette" study conducted by
Harris Interactive* and sponsored by Intel Corporation, most online U.S. adults
(80 percent) feel there are unspoken rules about mobile technology usage, and
approximately 7 in 10 (69 percent) agreed that violations of these unspoken
mobile etiquette guidelines, such as checking e-mails, sending text messages and
making phone calls while in the company of others, are unacceptable.

Mobile etiquette breeches have particular relevance during the upcoming holiday
season, as the survey found that more than half (52 percent) would be offended
if they were at a holiday party and someone attempted to secretly use an
Internet-enabled device, such as a laptop, netbook or cell phone, at the table.
The restroom, however, doesn`t seem to command the same reverence when it comes
to mobile technology. Despite hygiene considerations and potentially awkward
explanations, 75 percent feel it is perfectly appropriate to use
Internet-enabled devices, including laptops, netbooks and cell phones, in the
bathroom, with only 25 percent agreeing that it was inappropriate behavior.

Technology All the Time

The survey also found that 62 percent agree that mobile devices, such as
laptops, netbooks and cell phones, are part of our daily lives and society needs
to adapt to the fact that people use them at all times.

"The social rules for new technologies are continuing to be established across
cultures and geographies around the world, and etiquette will continue to change
and adapt over time along with it," said Dr. Genevieve Bell, renowned
ethnographer and director of Intel`s User Experience Group. "As technology
becomes increasingly engrained in our daily lives and we attempt to strike the
right balance between constant connectivity and setting boundaries on
accessibility, the social and cultural guidelines for appropriate behavior
surrounding mobile technology will continue to develop and change."

According to the study, many online adults view the need for constant
connectivity as a function of expectations set by the current business culture,
with 55 percent agreeing that the nature of business today demands people always
be connected via mobile devices, even if it means taking a laptop on vacation or
answering a call during a meal.

"Etiquette surrounding mobile technology is becoming increasingly relevant,
particularly in social situations such as holiday gatherings and events," said
Anna Post, author and etiquette expert for the Emily Post Institute. "As
technology continues to become more prevalent and play an integral role in our
everyday lives, it becomes more challenging to discern appropriate behavior from
potentially offensive behavior."

Key Survey Findings

Clicking Send on Holiday Greetings:According to the survey, the holiday dinner
table isn`t the only place where technology is playing a role in traditional
etiquette conversations; social guidelines and traditions surrounding holiday
greetings and general communications are also being affected by Internet
connectivity. In fact, more than half of online adults (62 percent) would send
an electronic greeting card or e-mail in lieu of a traditional card, and despite
what manner-minded parents have always taught their children about the value of
a handwritten "thank you" note, almost 9 out of 10 (88 percent) online adults
would not be offended if they received an e-mail or electronic thank you card in
lieu of handwritten notes of gratitude.

Mobile Manners and Holiday Activities:Despite the growing acceptance of
technology as it applies to holiday communications and greetings, it seems that
certain lines of traditional etiquette are drawn when it comes to sending
holiday gift lists, using technology at religious services and technology usage
during travel and certain social situations. For example:

* One in three online adults (30 percent) would be offended to receive an online
gift wish list from a friend and/or an immediate/extended family member.
* An overwhelming majority of online adults have no tolerance for mobile
technology etiquette violations at holiday services, with 87 percent agreeing
that it is inappropriate to use a mobile device at religious venues.
* Travel can be a little bit tense around the holidays, and some feel that it is
no time for multitasking - 36 percent of online adults agree that it is
inappropriate to use a mobile device in an airport security line.
* A majority (60 percent) of online adults consider using a mobile device while
on a date as inappropriate.

This survey was conducted online within the United States by Harris Interactive
on behalf of Intel from Oct. 1 - 5, 2009 among 2,625 adults ages 18 and older.
The survey data are weighted to represent the online adult population. This
online survey is not based on a probability sample and therefore no estimate of
theoretical sampling error can be calculated. For complete survey methodology,
including weighting variables, please contact Becky Emmett.

About Intel

Intel (NASDAQ: INTC), the world leader in silicon innovation, develops
technologies, products and initiatives to continually advance how people work
and live. Additional information about Intel is available at
www.intel.com/pressroom and blogs.intel.com.

*Intel and the Intel logo are trademarks of Intel Corporation in the U.S. and
other countries.

*Other names and brands may be claimed as the property of others.

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Intel Corporation
Becky Emmett, 503-712-7460
becky.emmett@intel.com

Copyright Business Wire 2009