ABSTRACT
Table 9.3 shows that the mobile-traditionalists most frequently paid a visit to or received a visit from their colleagues, friends, or acquaintances, whereas the differences here between the cyber-communicators, techno-ascetics, and techno-rationalists were negligible. In terms of offline socializing with relatives, the mobile-traditionalists were also the most active group. However, the difference between them and the techno-ascetics and especially the cyber-communicators shrank considerably. These results indicate the embeddedness of mobile communication networks in physical space: people use mobile phones to not only connect to their spatially remote/distant ties, but also to get their personal communities together in the same geographical location. Further, they suggest the existence of a human need to fine-tune social contact, manage time, and (micro)coordinate activities in private and public spheres in an increasingly mobile manner, which combines “old” and “new” technologies. In this respect, the intense social use of ICTs does not preclude ready adopters such as the mobile-traditionalists and cyber-communicators from offline social activities and socializing; on the contrary, it has been found to augment their social circles and to intensify the communication within their personal network.
