Sequence Survey Confirms Politics Creates More Tension at the Holiday Table Than Smartphone Use

New Survey Uncovers Technology Tolerance in Holiday Traditions

SAN FRANCISCO–(BUSINESS WIRE)–According to new data released by Sequence today, the boundaries between
technology and holiday traditions continue to blur. The survey found
that consumers are showing more digital tolerance when it comes to
smartphone use at holiday gatherings this year, and increasingly people
are demonstrating good mobile manners. In fact, 59 percent of consumers
feel their family and friends are good about keeping their smartphones
away during the holidays, which is a 20 percent increase from 2015. What
is more likely to cause controversy at the holiday table is politics: 65
percent surveyed say discussing politics at the holiday table creates
more tension compared to smartphone usage (35%).

The new infographic, “Technology
and Holiday Traditions: The New Normal,” was released today by Sequence,
a San Francisco-based independent agency that designs and develops
connected experiences for the world’s best-known and most innovative
brands, including The Ellen DeGeneres Show, Chipotle Mexican Grill,
Apple, Facebook and Chevron. This infographic is the first in a short
series of 2016 infographics about technology and the holiday season.

Through the survey of more than 1,000 consumers, Sequence explored
technology’s role during the winter holidays. In addition to uncovering
more social norms around smartphone use, the survey revealed that
shoppers are taking a stance against Black Friday. Sixty-three percent
of consumers say they would never stand in line for Black Friday deals,
and nearly half (49%) of Millennials prefer shopping on Cyber Monday
because they can shop online.

“Some holiday classics – even if they can be unpleasant – endure.
Discussing politics at the holiday table is a time-honored tradition,
but often causes tension among family members,” said Jojo Roy, chief
executive officer of Sequence. “While the heads-down distraction of
smartphones at the holiday table is frowned upon, it’s clear that
politics tops technology when it comes to causing strained relations
during the holiday season. After a long Presidential election cycle,
consumers are probably ready for some pleasant diversions via
smartphones, apps and other tech entertainment this year.”

Additional key findings include:

• One out of five say smartphones at the holiday table aren’t a big deal
• Nearly half of millennials (47%) say smartphones at the holiday table
  aren’t a big deal
• 79 percent say technology enhances their enjoyment or relieves their
  stress during the holidays
• 41 percent say organizer, calendar or note-taking apps help them
  manage the stress during the holidays

For more information on the survey key findings download the infographic here
or visit http://blog.sequence.com/.

About Sequence

Sequence is an independent agency that designs and develops connected
experiences by launching new brands, digital products and service
experiences that improve people’s lives and grow businesses. From
strategy to design to development, the 75-person Sequence team, based in
San Francisco and New York City, delivers complete and compelling
customer experiences for the world’s best-known and most innovative
companies including Apple, Chevron, Chipotle Mexican Grill and The Ellen
DeGeneres Show. For more information, visit Sequence.com
or find us @sequenceSF.

Contacts

104 West Partners for Sequence
Kim Caro, 720-407-6076
kim.caro@104west.com