Response from: Jen Carole

I am not sure if I believe the conclusion. I think kids do want a phone to communicate with their friends and the alternative - not having one - would be horrible to them. But I also believe kids do want the "best, coolest" phone possible and it does enhance their personal brand. It's just that getting their hands on the best phone is not always possible. We hear about the family struggle with our Lab Members as they implore their parents for an upgrade. For the most part, I would say the kids with the coolest phones either have their own income stream or are very persuasive!

Response from: jonathan

The activities that teens want to do cost money, and phone bills are paid by parents (at least I pay for my son's). I think this explains the gap in survey results and reality. When these respondents become grown-ups and pay thier own bills (if that ever happens), we will see reality of this generation.