ICT based communication patterns and their correlation to activity and mobility patterns

Kurzfassung

New media like the internet and cell phones have the potential to substantially alter economic and social life. So far, in transportation research the effects of information and communication technologies (ICT) have mainly been analyzed by focusing on e-activities, especially e-shopping and telecommuting. Although these studies allow essential insights, there is still no complete picture that shows how the different parts of the ICT puzzle fit together. As the underlying processes are still not clear, this article attempts to better understand the general interrelation between communication, activity and mobility patterns. Therefore, not single e-activities or single devices are regarded. Instead, all ICT devices and all activities are taken into account. The central question is: "How does ICT use correlate with individual traffic behavior and activity patterns?" The starting point is the classification of different communication types using the German DLR panel data on communication and mobility patterns. The results show that four very different communication types can be distinguished. They differ in terms of both, the intensity of using ICT and use of particular media. The further analyses show that these communication types are clearly correlated with a person’s mobility behavior and performance of outdoor activities. All in all, the conclusion is that people develop a very consistent way of communicating, traveling and taking part in society by carrying out different activities. Even though the background of the paper is basic research, some of the results are also interesting for practitioners. Thus, the general linkage between high ICT use and high mobility level strongly emphasizes the possibilities that result for transportation demand management on the basis of new media. With this general perspective, the article sheds light on the topic from another side in order to complement studies looking at a specific form of ICT use.