Gen Z spends 36 hours weekly on phones, mostly not calling

Summarised from BristolLive's report · Updated 5 Nov, 22:10 · Archive

Young Britons spend over 36 hours a week on their mobile phones, with social media and messaging far outpacing voice calls.

Research involving 2,000 adults revealed Gen Z spends an average of more than 36 hours weekly on their mobile phones. Social media platforms are used by 67%, WhatsApp by 64%, and listening to music and podcasts by 59%. Viewing videos or streaming material (59%), online banking (58%) and capturing photos or videos (58%) all rank higher than using the phone to make calls, which is used by 56%.

The study showed that many Brits spend significant time on phones handling 'life admin' for others, including family coordination (22%), social arrangements (17%) and providing unofficial counselling (14%). These duties consume an average of one hour and 50 minutes weekly. Most reported feeling useful (38%), trusted (29%) and needed (26%) by taking on these roles.

For those aged 65 and above, the picture differs markedly. Making and receiving calls remain the most frequent uses for a mobile at 78%, alongside sending text messages at 72%.

Read the report

• Gen Z spends full working week on phones – here's what they’re actually doingYounger Brits are spending the equivalent of a full working week glued to their phones, but it’s not always for socialising or making calls.BristolLive · 5 Nov, 13:03

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