It’s a habit that drives parents and employers up the wall.
Generation Z can’t seem to stop checking their phone, even when they’re supposed to be having a conversation.
But, rather than feeling angry or offended at the youngsters’ apparent rudeness, their elders should perhaps feel sorry for them.
Experts say the constant need to look at their phones is a manifestation of the anxiety and isolation felt by those in their late teens and early twenties.
Research reveals that it takes just two minutes for Gen Z to reach for their phones during a conversation.
Around three quarters admitted that they struggled to maintain concentration while interacting with someone and 39 per cent feel a strong urge to look at their device.
Social events (28 per cent), speaking with friends (18 per cent) and parents (17 per cent) are some of the scenarios where the younger generation stop paying attention. And 28 per cent said they are even switching off at work, affecting their productivity.
The study of 2,000 18 to 28-year-olds found that Gen Z will reach for their phone after just two minutes and 15 seconds of talking to someone.
Generation Z can’t seem to stop checking their phone, even when they’re supposed to be having a conversation. Pictured: File photo
The biggest temptations when chatting face-to-face with someone include checking messages (48 per cent), scrolling social media (44 per cent) and even opening YouTube (18 per cent).
Calls (32 per cent), WhatsApp messages (23 per cent) and social media mentions (14 per cent) are deemed hardest to ignore. The research, commissioned by AXA UK as part of the annual Mind Health Report, found 63 per cent admit they struggle with real-life interaction – and 77 per cent use their phone as a form of escape.
Dr Linda Papadopoulos, psychologist and broadcaster, said of the findings: ‘We’re seeing a generation that’s more connected than ever, yet lonelier and more anxious.
‘Constant notifications, endless scrolling, and the pressure to be ‘always on’ are overstimulating their nervous systems and fragmenting their attention spans.’
She added: ‘Excessive phone use can undoubtedly have an impact on young people’s mental health.
‘Many I work with will report waking up throughout the night to check if friends have replied on social media – impacting mood, sleep and self-esteem. We need to help young people build healthier digital habits.
The biggest temptations when chatting face-to-face with someone include checking messages (48 per cent), scrolling social media (44 per cent) and even opening YouTube (18 per cent). Pictured: File photo
‘That might mean phone-free time in the mornings and evenings, limiting notifications or engaging in daily activities that are screen-free and intentionally present.’
Tara Foley, chief executive of AXA UK & Ireland, said the findings of the Mind Health Report were ‘both enlightening and alarming.
The study also found 22 per cent of Gen Z find themselves struggling to focus, or lacking productivity every day – as a result of phone use.
A third (34 per cent) say their mental health has suffered due to scrolling social media before bed and 54 per cent admit they feel under pressure to reply to messages instantly, according to the OnePoll.com data.
