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Millions of UK technology users wouldn’t be able to go 24 hours without the internet, with the most common excuses being that it’s part of modern life, and needing a way to speak to friends.
According to new research from Vodafone as part of its Digital Behaviours study, more than a third of Britons don’t think they could make it a full day in a digital switch-off challenge, with 69% saying boredom would be the main reason for not switching off.
According to regulator Ofcom, 69% of UK adults now use a smartphone, and the rise of technology in modern life was the most common excuse offered by those surveyed, with 87% saying “it’s the way things are nowadays”.
Other excuses offered by users included needing digital products to manage their home, staying co-ordinated, work and to motivate themselves to work out.
Vodafone’s consumer director Cindy Rose said: “Internet enabled devices bring a range of great tools and services right to your fingertips, and it’s natural that people tend to use them more and more for work and play.”
She went on to suggest that is was important for families to try and strike a balance, particularly with regards to children using the internet.
“Despite this, it’s still important for families to be able to balance online and offline from time to time. Our aim is to provide our customers with the tools they need to easily manage that balance.”
As part of the research, Vodafone also monitored the technological habits of families from around the country, and found that 34% said it was difficult to control the time their children spend with digital devices. The network provider now offers a broadband service that, via a companion app, offers controls on when WiFi access is available on certain devices.
Just over one in 10 parents also said they were worried others may judge them for allowing their children so much time online.
