How and why people carry their phones. A cell phone is a more consistent companion than any article of clothing, and arguably the most consistent object in peoples lives. One thing I found interesting was about carrying cases/covers and straps.

… consumers in collectivist societies such as China, South Korea and Japan value straps as an platform for facilitating social associations and impression management

This is not much of a surprise, but it’s interesting how little emphasis Americans put on their mobile devices being a status symbol. It really wasn’t until the RAZR or iPhone that we in the states really started to pay any attention to what other people carry phone-wise.

There is also discussion about cases. I think covering up good design is insulting, and I want to experience the devices as their designers intended rather than through a shield, but maybe I say that because “[p]hone covers reduce a device’s ability to project status and reflect personal or group identity,” and I just want to fit in. I don’t use a belt pouch/clippy for that exact reason.