13% fake talking on cell to avoid speaking with people

OK, fess up: who hasn't faked talking with someone on their cell phone to avoid having to talk with some Tom, Dick or oddball looking to strike up a chat?

Turns out that some 13 percent of mobile phone users fake being on the phone to avoid getting into a conversation with someone, according to a new study conducted by the Pew Research Center on how Americans use their cellphones.

The report, part of Pew's larger ongoing look at trends affecting American life, reveals the love-hate relationship we carry on with cell phones and just how much they have become a part of our daily lives with some 83 percent of U.S. adults owning one - while about one-third own smartphones. How bad is our addiction? Also consider this: Only 29% had the nerve to switch their phone to off for a period of time to take a break from using it.

The report also offers the following insights:

• 51% used phones at least once to access information they needed ASAP.
• 27% experienced a situation in the previous month in which they had trouble doing something because they did not have their phone at hand.
• 40% found themselves in an emergency situation in which having their phone with them helped.
• 42% of cell owners used their phone for entertainment when they were bored.
• 20% said their phones take too long to download something
• 16% say they had trouble reading something on their phone because the screen was too small