Commuters and Mobile Media: Active or Passive Users?

Introduction

As a result of the widespread availability of digital technology, mobile media has significantly altered our daily routines. Commuting, a universal activity for millions, has evolved into a

space where mobile media plays a pivotal role. During the past few years, mobile media have emerged as new and highly useful tools that travelers carry with them during their daily travel (Julsrud & Denstadli, 2017). In his book, "The Procrastination Economy", Tussey (2018) examines the complex relationship between commuters and mobile media. This essay will discuss Tussey's work and other scholarly contributions to the subject, examining the various arguments and approaches to the topic. I will also draw connections between these texts and my own experiences. Through a relevant case study, I will then arrive at a

nuanced argument regarding whether commuters are active or passive users of mobile media.

Defining Active and Passive Commuters

Prior to discussing mobile media usage, it is essential to define active and passive commuters. Active commuters are those who are actively engaged with their mobile devices during their commute with a specific objective in mind. Their use of mobile media is intended to accomplish tasks, enhance productivity, or achieve particular goals. They may engage in social media conversations, browse news articles, or play interactive games on their mobile device. Among the characteristics of active users are selective engagement and limited distractions. In terms of media consumption, active users are discerning in their choices,

prioritizing content that corresponds to their goals. They actively seek out information or entertainment that serves their needs. In general, they are travelers who effectively utilize

the opportunities embedded within their smart devices for the purpose of establishing networks, acquiring entertainment, and gathering information (Julsrud & Denstadli, 2017).

Conversely, passive users consume content more passively, choosing activities that require little or no mental effort, such as watching videos or listening to music. As opposed to active

users, passive users use their devices without having a specific goal or objective in mind. It is common for them to engage with mobile media during their travel time in order to make

their journey more enjoyable or to break up the monotony of their commute. In this sense, it is a form of escapism from the mundane aspects of travel. Often, they are presented with content and consume it without selecting their own.

Tussey’s Argument

Tussey (2018) presents a thoughtful examination of commuters' use of mobile media. The author acknowledges that mobile technology is being used in a dual manner: actively, in order to enhance productivity, as well as passively, for entertainment and diversion. However, he asserts that commuters engage with digital content actively in ways that give them agency, rather than passively receiving it. In contrast to the idea of passive leisure on

transit emphasized by the products of the procrastination economy (subscription services, etc.), Tussey (2018) argues that people are strategic about the use of their mobile devices

while in public areas. Commuters can text or call a loved one while on public transit to maintain social relationships, but it can also be done discreetly and intermittently while they monitor their travel schedules.

In support of his argument, the author highlights several key factors that indicate commuters are active mobile media users:

Intentional Consumption: According to Tussey (2018), commuters intentionally select and consume content aligned with their interests and preferences in his survey of the Metropolitan Atlanta Rapid Transit Authority (MARTA). It was reported that 83% of respondents to the survey listened to music during their commute. The respondents also listed their preferred types of music and the reasons behind their choices. Through this

selection process, they demonstrate a strong engagement with mobile media as they make choices about how they wish to curate their commuting experiences.

Community and Connectivity: As a result of mobile media, commuters are able to connect

with online communities, fostering a sense of belonging and social interaction. Tussey (2018) argues that these connections demonstrate an active effort to use mobile media as

both an informational and a social tool. Furthermore, the commute serves as a crucial place for relationship maintenance: as a time for relaying day-to-day business, for making plans for

the rest of the day, and for establishing relationships. Tussey (2018) challenges the idea that commuters are passive consumers of media during their commute and positions commuters as active participants. It is important, however, to

consider alternative perspectives and scholarly contributions in order to gain a comprehensive understanding of this complex issue.

Alternative Perspectives

Although Tussey's (2018) arguments focus on commuters' agency in mobile media consumption, Julsrud and Denstadli's (2017) study found a higher proportion of passive commuters than active commuters. Using data from a survey of 1,650 travelers in two of the largest cities in Norway - Oslo and Trondheim - they discovered that 32% of the sample is

active, with a predominance of young students and working professionals. In contrast, 44% of the sample is passive, consisting primarily of middle-aged men. The remaining 24% fall

under the category of "Low Use," which includes older travellers, as well as people who are unemployed or not in school. It becomes evident from this study that commuters' media use

is affected by their age.

Moreover, it is important to recognize the importance of context. Different factors may influence commuters' transition from active to passive modes of engagement. According to Gamberini et al. 's (1953, as cited in Guo et al., 2014) study of London Underground, longer trips led passengers to engage in more active use of their time, whereas shorter trips led to more idle time. Bisell (2012, as cited in Guo et al., 2014) also argued that time of day or day of the week can also have an impact on train or bus passengers' activity engagement. This variability suggests commuters' mobile media use depends on the length of the journey and the time of the day. It is therefore a dynamic and multifaceted phenomenon. Furthermore, I strongly believe that mobile media engagement during commutes can indeed

be passive in some circumstances. As a university student, my daily routine involves a lengthy and exhausting commute to and from campus. My energy levels are often depleted after a long day of classes, and active activities during my commute are often the last thing on my mind. My engagement with mobile media can be quite passive on such days, which is largely influenced by my state of fatigue. Consider the typical evening commute, for example. I have just finished attending a series of lectures, taking notes, and participating in discussion. Upon reaching the MRT platform, I am physically and mentally exhausted. As the seats on the MRT are full, I am left standing while holding onto the pole for support. At this point, I may wish to review my class notes or catch up on some reading for the next day's lecture. During this commute, however, my level of exhaustion plays a significant role

in determining what kind of mobile media engagement I engage in. Instead of studying or reading, I find myself scrolling through social media feeds or watching mindless videos on TikTok. I am unable to concentrate on academic material due to fatigue, and my brain craves something more relaxing. In this scenario, I become a passive user, swiping through images and videos or letting the site's autoplay function take me on an endless streaming journey. Even if I occasionally glance at headlines or skim through articles, my capacity to absorb information or engage critically has been compromised. This illustrates how mobile media usage during commutes can vary greatly, with passivity often being the default choice when fatigue sets in. In addition to the previous points, it is a reminder that the mode of engagement is dependent on the level of fatigue.

Bringing It All Together

To gain a better understanding, commuters' engagement with mobile media can be conceptualized as a spectrum. One end of the spectrum is characterized by highly active commuters who make intentional choices, customize their experiences, and engage in productive procrastination. The other end of the spectrum is commuters who may exhibit passive tendencies, such as mindless scrolling or compulsive behavior. The key lies in recognizing that commuters' mobile media usage is dynamic, fluctuating according to individual preferences, context, and the content available on their mobile devices.

Case Study: MRT in Singapore

The MRT system in Singapore can serve as a case study for illustrating these concepts in practice. Millions of commuters use the MRT every day, making it one of Singapore's busiest commuter networks. There is a wide range of mobile media behaviors observed on the MRT, which correspond to the spectrum. Many commuters, including myself, resort to passive media consumption during rush hours. It is likely that they will listen to music, watch short videos, or browse social media in a more automatic and less intentional manner. As such, this behaviour falls on the passive end of the spectrum. In contrast, commuters tend to engage more actively with mobile media during off-peak hours and long journeys. They may read articles, perform work-related tasks, or participate in online discussions. Mobile media use in these activities demonstrates agency and

intentionality, aligning with the active end of the spectrum.

Conclusion

In conclusion, the question of whether commuters are active or passive users of mobile media, as explored by Tussey (2018) is nuanced and multifaceted. Throughout his argument, he challenges passivity and positions commuters as active participants in shaping their digital experiences during their commute. Nevertheless, alternative perspectives suggest that passive engagement is possible in certain circumstances. By conceptualizing commuters' mobile media usage as a spectrum, we gain a more comprehensive understanding of how their behavior can vary according to various factors. In determining whether commuters are active or passive users, context and individual preferences play a crucial role. As observed in our case study of the MRT, commuters exhibit a wide range of mobile media behaviors, further pointing out the dynamic nature of this phenomenon.

In the end, commuters' mobile media usage is not a matter of absolutes, but rather one of variability and agency. As commuters, it is up to us to determine how we engage with mobile media, whether it be for productive procrastination or mindless browsing.