One in 25 young adults have crashed their car while checking social media apps on their smartphone, a new study reveals. The latest research indicates our lives, as well as our happiness, can be put at risk as our obsession with handheld devices grows. A third (29%) of Brits aged between 18 and 35 have admitted walking into someone or something when they have been monitoring social media apps on their phone.
The research of 2,000 Brits aged between 18 and 35 also highlights the situations when smartphones infuriate us. It seems friends using their mobiles when out to dinner enrages us the most (42%). This is followed by a partner using their phone in bed (32%) and watching a television show with a friend who is glued to their device (32%). Despite this, we all appear to be hypocrites, with nearly half (47%) of us admitting to messaging other people when out with friends.
Using smartphones without concentrating properly can also backfire. More than a fifth (22%) have sent an embarrassing message to the wrong person. Meanwhile, the study found 23% feel ‘anxious’ if they don’t spend enough time on their smartphones – while another 27% wanting to cut back on their usage.
Our dependence on social media and on our mobile devices means that personal relationships are suffering. Over half of Generation Y users (51%) say smartphones have caused arguments around the home. Furthermore, one in eight (14%) have been frustrated enough to confiscate somebody’s phone during a conversation. These findings are in line with a recent study at Baylor University, which examined the phenomenon of ‘Pphubbing’ – partner phone snubbing.
The fear of missing out, or ‘FOMO’, was given as a reason for us regularly checking social channels. 40% said social made them feel lonely, with more than half (52%) saying that apps like Facebook, Twitter and Instagram made them feel as though they’re missing out when friends are having fun. Despite this, 73% say social media makes them feel more connected with friends and family. This conflict leads two-fifths (39%) of us checking our social channels online when out with friends.
This inability to leave our phones alone even has an impact on awkward social occasions. More than a fifth (22%) have been ignored by a partner on a first date because of the desire to stay digitally connected. 26% say they end up missing out on what’s happening in the real world.
- A third of 18 – 35-year-olds (29%) have walked into something because they were looking at their phone
- 22% have sent an embarrassing message to the wrong person’s phone
- 49% admitted that capturing moments on smartphones prevents them from enjoying experiences in real life
- Over a quarter of those surveyed (28%) revealed that social media makes them feel like they have to pretend to be someone else
- 40% admit Facebook, Twitter & Instagram make them feel lonely, despite nearly three-quarters of those surveyed (73%) saying social media makes them feel more connected with friends and family.
“Overall, our conflicting relationship with our phones highlights the need to stay ‘connected’ as both positive and negative. While the desire to stay connected online has its benefits, the results of our research also show that too much phone dependency can have adverse effects on our personal relationships and in some situations can even be dangerous. I’m sure we can all agree that these devices are an essential part of modern life, but there is a time and place for them. It will be nice to see more people putting more effort into face-to-face meetings and real-life conversations – rather than just relying on their phones.”
Ben Wilson, home insurance expert at Gocompare.com, said
Click image to open interactive version (via Gocompare.com). 
Click image to open interactive version (via Gocompare.com). 
Click image to open interactive version (via Gocompare.com). 
Click image to open interactive version (via Gocompare.com). 
Click image to open interactive version (via Gocompare.com). 
Click image to open interactive version (via Gocompare.com).
Gocompare.com created the interactive graphic, highlighting just how online activity affects our relationships in real life.
View it here: http://www.gocompare.com/home-
