In three between-subject experiments, involving a total of 3180 participants, the majority of respondents indicated that during a weather emergency they would continue to use high bandwidth functions after receiving a text message requesting only emergency use. Projected excess demand for bandwidth could bring down the cellular communication network in the affected area. Messages incorporating an appeal to altruism, the incentive of a reduced phone bill, and the disincentive of an imminent collapse of the network for 24 hours all had no effect on intentions to use high bandwidth functions. Younger respondents and male respondents were less compliant than older respondents and female respondents. Their responses imply that an increasing number of individuals view even a brief separation from their cell phone as an existential threat that overrides other concerns including empathy for people in life-threatening circumstances.
