  The development of mobile phones has largely increased human interactions.
Whilst the use of these devices for communication has received significant
attention, there has been little analysis of more passive interactions. Through
census data on casual social groups, this work suggests a clear pattern of
mobile phones being carried in people's hands, without the person using it
(that is, not looking at it). Moreover, this study suggests that when
individuals join members of the opposite sex there is a clear tendency to stop
holding mobile phones whilst walking. Although it is not clear why people hold
their phones whilst walking in such large proportions (38% of solitary women,
and 31% of solitary men), we highlight several possible explanation for holding
the device, including the need to advertise status and affluence, to maintain
immediate connection with friends and family, and to mitigate feelings related
to anxiety and security.
