The Drum Awards for Marketing - Extended Deadline

-d -h -min -sec

Over half of Brits suffer 'extreme tech anxiety' when separated from smartphones

Author

By Ishbel Macleod | PR and social media consultant

July 11, 2013 | 2 min read

Over a third (37 per cent) feel a lack of control when separated from gadgets such as their smartphone or tablets, research from Versapak has found, with 41 per cent of Brits saying that they were worried about not being included amongst friends.

It was found that 51 per cent of the 1,245 UK residents questioned said that they suffer from ‘extreme tech anxiety’ when separated from their devices, with only 35 per cent saying that they were not bothered at being away from their communications.

Leon Edwards, managing director of Versapak, said: “Being disconnected from technology is surprisingly stressful. There’s often a feeling of missing out, as we worry about what’s going on in the world of work, social media or news without our knowledge.

"The potential consequences of not being the first to know seems to have a real impact on people’s lives.”

Over a quarter, 28 per cent, said that being without their gadgets made them stressed.

This comes as The Drum’s reporter Angela Haggerty is one of a group of intrepid volunteers to undertake a ‘digital detox’ this weekend, which will see the group cope without any gadgets or electricity.

Trending

Industry insights

View all
Add your own content +