According to Austrailian researcher Diana James, of the Queensland University of Technology (QUT), users surveyed have a "social obsession" with their mobile phones. Survey results show users spend an hour on their cell phone daily. Preliminary findings of the 2500 cell phone users surveyed suggest that one in five Australians "are addicted to their mobiles." James reports that 22% of users say their use is "heavy," and their cell phone bills confirm the findings for at least 8% of users who report monthly expenditures greater than $500.

Ms James' survey results are being analysed for her PhD study with QUT's School of Advertising, Marketing and Public Relations.

Media contact: Mechelle McMahon, QUT media officer, 07 3138 4494 or This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.