Youths would rather spend their last $10 to top up their phone credit than to buy food, a research on youth spending has found. According to the 2012 Mobile Youth Report, 80 per cent of youths surveyed believed being connected with their friends and family members is highly important.
Australian company Boost Mobile agree with research findings, adding that youths spend a considerable amount of disposable income on their mobile phones.
“We know our young customers don’t always have a lot to spend on their mobile, or want to commit for two years on a contract, so being on prepaid makes sense for them. They can budget easily and always know what they are spending,” said Oaul O’Neille, CEO of Boost Mobile.
However, mobile phone usage among the youth market now extends far beyond the simple purpose of keeping in touch. According to the survey 60 per cent of youths are taking their mobiles to bed with them and the interacting via social media outweighs any face-to-face interaction.