She noted how, while those less accustomed to mobile phones used one or several fingers to access the keypad, younger persons used both thumbs ambidextrously, barely looking at the keys as they made rapid entries. "They used the absolute minimal movement," she said. "Simply exerting pressure with the thumb rather than tapping at the phone." 'There are many ways to input information into these devices, but for some reason, kids under 25 most often choose to use their thumbs over any other digit. There is no question that choice is having a clear effect on their physicality: thumbs are the new fingers.' In Japan, the trend was particularly marked. Plant even found the under-25s referred to themselves as oya yubi sedai - the thumb generation, or thumb tribe. As their thumbs become stronger and more dexterous, Plant found that the thumb tribe is using its favourite digit for other tasks that are traditionally the finger's job, such as pointing at things or ringing doorbells. 'The mobile is fast becoming an essential prop in the social life of 20-year-olds,' she said. 'It has even become part of their mating display, with young men trying to impress women with the advanced technology of their phones.' — ONS |