Phone-obsessed Brits are missing precious life moments due to 'mindless scrolling', new research reveals. One in 10 adults have missed a once-in-a-lifetime moment because they were too engrossed in their phone. A survey of 2,000 smartphone users found that 66% pick up their phone without any specific reason, flicking through various apps and often losing track of what they were doing. Consequently, 46% confessed to scrolling on their device during situations where they should have been fully engaged.
Missed Moments and Distractions
Users have missed family or friends exchanging rings at a wedding or the blowing out of candles on a birthday cake. An additional 42% have been scrolling on their gadget when they should have been enjoying their beach or seaside surroundings. Another 41% admitted to being distracted by their device while sightseeing on holiday, and 27% confessed to unintentionally scrolling during a concert or sporting event. Back at home, 52% have had to rewind a film because they were aimlessly scrolling, or completely missed the plot developments.
Why We Scroll
Boredom is the main culprit, but 45% also confess it's simply a habit. However, 33% worry that this compulsion to be on their phones means they're not always fully present in their own lives. The research was commissioned by Virgin Media O2 following the launch of its 'O2 scroll stopper' callback service with Spice Girl Mel B, designed to help people regain control over interruptions and be more mindful of their phone usage time.
Nicola Green from the media and telecommunications company said: "Digital technology is central to our lives, with many positive impacts, but these results show that people don't always feel in control of how they use it. With a significant proportion of time online now unintentional, it points to a shift in how digital habits are forming and the impact that is having on people's day-to-day wellbeing. That is exactly why we're giving the nation the ultimate, straight-talking wake-up call to break the doomscrolling cycle so they can get more control over the time they spend online."
Impact on Sleep and Wellbeing
More than half (57%) revealed they stay up later for an average of 36 minutes longer than they planned because of scrolling on their phone. Meanwhile, 45% confessed the time spent scrolling on their phone has damaged their quality of sleep. It comes as no shock then that 47% wished they could claw back the time they've wasted on their phone. According to the onepoll.com data, 39% want to be more present with loved ones, while 32% would spend more time exercising and 27% would engage in more experiences.
Mel B's Intervention
People can try the O2 scroll stopper by sending a WhatsApp message to 078682 89802 or requesting a pre-recorded callback from Mel B. Mel B said: "We've all fallen into the trap of repeatedly checking our phones and staying on them without even thinking about what we are doing, but I'm helping the nation to put a big stop to that. I'm a massive advocate for taking a break from my phone and that's why I'm giving you that much-needed nudge to get away from a screen, to look up and get back to the good stuff happening right in front of you. And if I have to give you a bit of a telling-off to do it, well, that's why they call me Scary - but you know it's because I care."
10 Situations Where People Scroll Instead of Engaging
- At a family gathering or celebration
- While out with friends at a pub or bar
- At the beach or by the seaside
- On holiday while sightseeing
- On a scenic train journey
- Walking in the countryside
- At a sporting event in a stadium or arena
- At a concert or live event
- During a fancy meal at a restaurant
- At a wedding ceremony or reception
