A third of Brits are cutting down their smartphone screen time compared to previous years – as 28% admit they regret not being more present in the moment during some of life's major milestones.
The rise of the smartphone camera has seen 84% of mobile phone users use their device to capture some of their most memorable moments – with an average of 20 minutes spent documenting the footage, rather than enjoying the moment.
Some of the top things that Brits feel they have missed out on include the birth of their child, their child's first steps, or watching a loved one's first dance at their wedding.
And other moments they have not been present for include watching the headline artist a festival, or visiting an iconic landmark.
However, the survey of 2,000 adults found that, if given the chance to relive these moments, 60% claim they would do so in person, rather than through their phone screen.
And this year has seen fatigued phone users cut their average daily screen time by nearly 20 minutes – with over two-thirds (68%) saying this is because they want to spend more time in the present.
The research was commissioned by Motorola UK, to launch its razr 40 family – inspired by the original early 00s model, as the retro notion of being able to flip shut a device to avoid distraction grows in popularity.
Miles Norman, general manager for the phone brand, said: “Our research shows that people are getting fatigued by over-consumption on their phones, and it’s become second nature to grab our devices at big moments.
“It’s important to capture key moments, but it’s also important to not live life through a lens, and be more present in the moment – it’s about finding the right balance.”
The research also shows that 45% are wanting to be more flexible, and only check their phone for notifications, or take a few snaps and then put their phone away.
And a further 44% have said they’ve previously made efforts to reduce their smartphone screentime – as it emerged that four in ten don't often watch back the content they have captured anyway, while one in ten rarely, or never, do so, according to the OnePoll.com research.
Three in ten said that the screen break made them feel energised, while 16% said they became more productive, and over half (56%) said they enjoyed their experiences with friends and family because they were more present.
And despite being guilty of it themselves, 46% said they get frustrated if someone is stood in front of them capturing content on occasions such as a concert or football match.
Miles Norman, from Motorola UK, added: “The research shines a light on the positive benefits of being immersed in the present, and our technology can help people find their sweet spot and have a more flexible relationship with their phone.”
TOP 20 OCCASIONS AND MOMENTS BRITS CAPTURE ON THEIR SMARTPHONE:
- Spending time in nature/a beauty spot
- Visiting an iconic landmark
- Their pet doing something funny
- A loved one blowing out their birthday candles
- Taking pictures of the food when out for a meal
- Seeing an animal in the wild on holiday
- The birth of their child
- Their favourite band playing their best song
- Their kids going off for their first day of primary/secondary school
- A loved one at the altar for their wedding
- Their kids riding a bike for the first time
- A loved one's first dance at their wedding
- Their kids racing at their school sports day
- Their kids taking their first steps
- The start or end of a sporting event they are attending
- A headline artist at a festival
- Wandering around a festival
- Their kids saying their first words
- The football team they support scoring a penalty
- Spotting a celebrity in the wild
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