2026-06-09 13:03:43
One in 10 adults have missed a once-in-a-lifetime moment because they were too busy staring at their phone, according to new research.
A poll of 2,000 smartphone users found mindless scrolling has caused people to miss winning goals at sporting events, wedding ring exchanges and even the moment birthday candles were blown out.
Almost half of those surveyed admitted they have scrolled on their phone during situations where they should have been fully present.
The findings suggest Britain is becoming increasingly distracted by digital habits, with many struggling to switch off from their screens.
Nearly half of respondents said they regularly lose track of what they are doing after flicking between multiple apps, while 52 per cent admitted they have had to rewind a film because they missed key parts of the plot while looking at their phone.
The problem extends far beyond the living room.
More than four in 10 confessed to scrolling while at the beach or seaside, while a similar number admitted they become distracted while sightseeing on holiday.
A further 27 per cent said they have found themselves unintentionally scrolling during concerts or sporting events.
As a result, one in three worry they are not fully present in their own lives because of their mobile phone use.
The study, commissioned by Virgin Media O2, also revealed that 66 per cent pick up their phone without any clear reason, while 35 per cent have lost far more time than intended scrolling in places such as the bathroom.
Boredom was cited as the biggest trigger, followed by habit and notifications.
The research found 57 per cent stay up later than planned because of scrolling, losing an average of 36 minutes of sleep each night. Nearly half believe their phone habits have negatively affected their sleep quality.
Nicola Green, from Virgin Media O2, said: “Digital technology is central to our lives, with many positive impacts, but these results show that people don’t always feel in control of how they use it.
“With a significant proportion of time online now unintentional, it points to a shift in how digital habits are forming and the impact that is having on people’s day-to-day wellbeing.”
Spice Girl Mel B, who is supporting the company’s new Scroll Stopper campaign, added: “I’m helping the nation to put a big stop to that.
“Look up and get back to the good stuff happening right in front of you.”
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