A nation addicted. Every twelve minutes we check our smartphones, and 63% claim they’d be lost or feel “cut off” without internet connection. This comes to light after a recent Ofcom report suggests it’s almost impossible for Brits to switch off and enjoy life without being constantly connected online.

Ian Macrae, Ofcom’s Director of Market Intelligence, said: “Over the last decade, people’s lives have been transformed by the rise of the smartphone, together with better access to the internet and new services.

“Whether it’s working flexibly, keeping up with current affairs or shopping online, we can do more on the move than ever before.”

Bored Without The Internet

Habits have definitely shifted exponentially over the last ten years, especially since the rise of the smartphone which can mainly be attributed to the launch of the first iPhone in 2007. Now the majority of the UK population expect to be constantly connected to the internet and according to respondents being permanently online has its benefits.

In the Ofcom report, 41% surveyed said that always being connected means they can work more flexibly, which has advantages for both employees and employers and 35% think always being online means they can use their commute time more effectively, getting on with business tasks.

However, living in an always-on world is not all roses, with 15% of the UK population feeling they’re always at work and more than half saying always being connected is disruptive when building relationships with family and friends.

Over half say they spend more time on their phones while watching television with others instead of socialising, but there is a generational difference towards whether this is acceptable behaviour, with over 60% of those surveyed aged 55 and over claiming this is unacceptable compared to a little over 20% of those between 18–34 years of age.

Half of all UK adults say their life would be boring if they could not access the internet according to the Ofcom report.

“While people appreciate their smartphone as their constant companion, some are finding themselves feeling overloaded when online, or frustrated when they’re not” added Macrae.