Desktop PC, Tablet PC, or Smartphone? An Analysis of Use Preferences in Daily Activities for Different Technology Generations of a Worldwide Sample

摘要

Our daily life is characterized by increasing digitalization. As a result digital technologies are becoming an integrated part of everyday activities. The most used devices are desktop PCs or laptops, tablet PCs, and smartphones, which mainly differ with regard to the screen size and the method of data entry. Given the growing diffusion of technological devices, the increasing ownership of multiple devices, and the resulting different usage patterns between devices, it is essential to gain insights into which devices are used for which activities. The aim of this analysis was to examine a total of 21 activities people engage in on a day-to-day basis with regard to desktop PC or laptop, tablet PC, and smartphone usage. When considering user characteristics with regard to technology, one of the most influential factors is the user's age. Therefore, the sample (N = 1923) was analyzed with regard to four different technology generations. Results show that there are significant differences in device usage between the activities under study and between the four analyzed technology generations.