• by Jack Loechner , Staff Writer @mp_research, September 20, 2012

According to a recent study by Intel Corporation, conducted by Ipsos, across the globe people share information online for two main reasons: connection and expression. The majority of adults and teens report feeling better connected with family and friends because they share online. The survey also revealed a perception of "oversharing," with at least six out of 10 adults and teens saying they believe other people divulge too much information about themselves online, with Japan being the only exception.

Over 80% of adults responding to the survey wish people practiced better etiquette when using mobile devices in public, and the majority of people think mobile manners have become worse, with the exception of adults in China who are more likely than others to believe mobile manners have truly started to improve compared to a year ago.

Dr. Genevieve Bell, Intel Fellow at Intel Labs, says “... our mobile technology is making digital sharing ubiquitous with our everyday activities... most interesting is not necessarily how widespread our use of mobile technology has become, but how similar our reasons are for sharing, regardless of region or culture...”

Mobile devices enable us to share in the moment, and etiquette helps us decide how to share and connect in ways that are positive and enhance our relationships," Says Anna Post of The Emily Post Institute.

According to the latest Intel survey, approximately half of adults around the world feel overloaded by the amount of information people share online. Yet, adults and teens across the globe are sharing a wide variety of information online, with photos of themselves or people they know cited as one of the top things being shared.

While the survey revealed that digital sharing on mobile devices helps many people feel more connected to others, the tendency to share too much information can annoy others for various reasons. Adults and teens from each country had differing opinions on top digital sharing pet peeves. However, constant complaining, posting inappropriate photos, using profanity and sharing too many life details and personal information were prominent responses.

More than 85% of survey respondents across the globe wish people thought more about how others will perceive them when sharing information online. At least one-quarter of adults and one-third of teens around the world, with the exception of Japan and Indonesia, have been embarrassed by something they have done online. Many also admit to having a different personality online and to sharing false information online.

The majority of teens, with the exception of Japan, admit to constantly checking what their friends are sharing online and feeling like they are missing out when they are not able to share or consume information online. Many teens (and adults) around the world are sharing online via their mobile devices in a variety of scenarios including while on vacation and when eating a meal with others.

For additional information on Intel's annual "Mobile Etiquette" survey, please visit here.