“How many of my friends text me their Happy Chinese New Year greetings while sitting on the toilet?”

That was the first thing that popped into my mind as I read that a recent online survey conducted amongst 1,000 Americans by 11mark revealed that 75 percent of them are so inseparable from their smartphones that they continue to text, surf or hold conversations even while on the toilet. Never mind that all the text greetings that I had received were from friends in Singapore, Malaysia and China; I am sure our mobile usage patterns aren’t that far from that of the States’.

Yesterday, February 6th 2012, marked the end of the traditional 15-days celebration for the Chinese to welcome in the Lunar New Year. This is the most important holiday in the Chinese calendar; imagine Thanksgiving, Christmas and New Year combined into one big celebration.

The customary practice is for people to return to their hometowns to be with their parents and families at the reunion dinner on New Year’s Eve, usually laden with gifts and presents. Again, think Christmas. For some, this is the only trip they make in an entire year.

This annual migration takes on a grand proportion in China where it is estimated that 3.2 billion trips, from domestic flights, trains and coaches to local bus rides to small villages are made during this holiday period. To put it into perspective, the rail trips made during this fortnight is equal to the total passenger trips on Amtrak rail system in a year.

During the holidays it is also customary to visit the homes of neighbours, relatives and friends to bring them well wishes for a prosperous and happy year ahead. But, technology has been changing this aspect of social interaction. Personal visits have gradually been replaced by telephone greetings, e-greeting cards, Skype video calls, and of course, text messages.

This brings me back to my original question. If it should turn out that 75 percent of the text greetings I received were sent from the water closet, it would be quite fitting. After all, this is the year of the Water Dragon.

Happy New Year, everyone. Gong Xi Fa Cai!