Gen Y morning routine: Toothpaste, toilet paper and texting

A new survey by a high-tech firm reveals just how pervasive the use of the Internet and mobile devices have become among the so-called “Gen Y” generation.

The survey, done for Cisco Systems, indicates that most college students and young professionals consider the use of communications technology an essential part of their lives and daily routines.

A full 90 percent of people surveyed worldwide said they check their smartphones for updates in email, texts and social media sites, often before they get out of bed in the morning, according to the Connected World Technology Report .

The report surveyed 1,800 full-time college students and workers between ages 18-30 in 18 nations.

Findings in the report reveal behaviors and attitudes about the creation, access and privacy of the enormous amounts of data being generated daily by smartphones, sensors, video cameras, monitors, and other connected devices.

Other survey results include that three out of four respondents use smartphones in bed, and more than one-third use smartphones in the bathroom.

Also, 46 percent of respondents globally said they text, email and check social media during meals with family and friends. The number in the United States is even higher, at 56 percent.

And although it’s a dangerous habit and illegal in some cities and states – including Cincinnati – about one in five respondents admit to texting while driving.

Additionally, 60 percent said they find themselves sub-consciously or compulsively checking their smartphones for emails, texts or social media updates; and more than 40 percent said they would “feel anxious, like part of me was missing” if they couldn’t check their smartphones constantly.

Nations involved in the survey were the United States, Canada, Mexico, Brazil, Argentina, United Kingdom, France, Germany, Netherlands, Russia, Poland, Turkey, South Africa, India, China, Japan, South Korea and Australia.