Millions of people across the UK are “addicted” to their screens according to a new study.
According to the University College London screen time is believed to be affecting everything from behaviour within relationships and concentration levels to people losing touch completely with the real world.
The research found that on a typical weekday the average person in the UK was spending six hours looking at screens including smartphones, tablets, work computers and televisions.
Conducted by Encore Tickets the study found nearly a quarter of the population spends upwards of 10 hours a day with their face just a few inches from a screen, living most their waking day in the digital world rather than through live experiences such as music concerts and theatre.
The results were analysed by psychologist Dr Kiki Leutner of UCL who is working with Encore Tickets to reinforce the benefits of live performances.
He said: “The research shows that nine out of 10 of us say screens are a necessary part of everyday life and more than a third of people say they couldn’t live without screens.
“This shows our increasing reliance on our digital devices, but also supports the idea that people develop attachments towards devices such as their phone, which can be damaging.”
Apparently adults spend more than two hours a day at least looking just at their smartphone. And one in 20 admit to looking at their phone for an incredible six hours a day or longer.
Dr Leutner added: “Research has found that people feel the need to be near their phone and can experience distress on separation – much like the attachments we develop with other humans.
“Attributing this kind of attachment to an object can be damaging in the long term – people who have constant contact and validation from mobile devices may deepen their dependence on others, affecting both their behaviour and relationships.”
One problem that is exacerbating the problem is the rise of ‘multi-screening’ in which someone might watch television while operating smartphone, tablet or laptop has also exploded in recent years.
Six in 10 of the 2,000 respondents said they’re likely to use a second screen while watching a film or television programme at home on the TV.
Three quarters admitted to browsing the internet, 56 per cent scroll through social media and a fifth are keeping up to date with work emails.
But seven in 10 people revealed they can be distracted and pay less attention to what they’re watching when using multiple screens.
Dr. Leutner explained: “Our reliance on screens and sometimes using more than one at a time is also affecting our concentration.
“By using multiple devices we may like to think we are multitasking, but actually we could be concentrating less.
“Doing things that distance us from screens can have a positive effect. For example, going to the theatre is an experience that makes you totally present.
“Outside stimuli are removed, mobile phones have to be switched off, and for a couple of hours you are away from the real world and the impact of screens.
“Positive effects of theatre and live performance are present both for those engaging in theatre, and those consuming it. Brain activity appears to be enhanced when a performance is watched in theatre versus on a screen.”