What how you chew reveals about you - Your Life - survey on chewing gum habits, likes and dislikes - Brief Article

USA Today (Society for the Advancement of Education), Jan, 2003

When it comes to satisfying the urge to chew, Americans have a myriad of choices, but most reach for gum. According to a study on chewing habits conducted by the Wrigley Company, when given the choice about what will fulfill their craving, 75% of Americans choose gum instead of pens, pencils, or straws.

Respondents revealed other gum-chewing insights in the survey, including:

The time is right. Americans love to chew gum anywhere and everywhere. When asked when or where they most often do so, 30% said they are social chewers, either enjoying a piece while hanging out with friends or when someone offers them one. Twenty-two percent stated that their favorite place to chew is at work or school, while 18% do so while driving.

Why you chew the way you do. Of those who chew gum, 44% indicated to banish bad breath, while 30% do because they enjoy the flavor and taste or crave something sweet. Fifteen percent chew to combat stress.

Hooked on a feeling. Fifty percent of Americans who chew gum do so when they are feeling happy and content. On the other hand, 46% reach for a piece when they are bored.

Celebrity chewing. Thirty-six percent stated that they would like to share a piece of chewing gum with screen stars Julia Roberts or George Clooney. Twelve percent would rather share a piece with actress Halle Berry.

Open and shut case. When respondents were asked how they would describe their gum chewing, 39% maintained that their style is silent and discrete. Twenty-two percent label themselves as slow chewers, while 15% chomp enthusiastically--snapping and cracking their gum.