Don’t call us! Chats on phones are hung up in favour of videos or text messages, survey shows
- Spoken phone calls are becoming notably less popular for younger generations
- Eight in ten now prefer texts, instant messaging or video calls, a survey said
- More than half of 18 to 34-year-olds will schedule phone calls unlike over 55s
Spoken phone calls are in sharp decline as eight in ten now prefer messaging or video calls, a survey has shown.
People want the speed and simplicity of texts, WhatsApp or social media, it found. But 45 per cent would still rather talk when contacting their parents.
The poll by Sky Mobile comes ahead of the 49th anniversary on Sunday of the first public mobile phone call.
Younger generations are more likely to schedule their calls, with over half of 18 to 34-year-olds doing so, compared with a quarter of over-55s.
80% of people prefer to message of video call rather than have a phone call according to a poll by Sky Mobile
While many Britons wish they had more time to make phone calls with family and friends, people still prefer the speed and simplicity of texts
Answerphone messages are also seen as a nuisance, with more than a fifth saying they are inconvenient and one in ten saying they delete them without even listening to them.
Nearly half of Britons say they wish they had more time for quality calls with family and friends, and 28 per cent say they have been calling loved ones more in the pandemic.
Earlier this week, BT put its controversial move to replace all landline phones with digital versions on hold after pensioners were left without working lines for days during power cuts.
The survey showed that traditional calls are most commonly made for a ‘proper catch-up’ with close family and friends (40 per cent) or to share major news, whether good (34 per cent) or bad (33 per cent).
Almost every mobile phone offers the option to video call, which may be one of the reasons why they are preferred over just a phone call (stock image)
They are also often favoured for special occasions (29 per cent), difficult conversations (28 per cent), advice (24 per cent), when someone is being missed (23 per cent) and to ensure nothing is lost in translation (22 per cent).
Nearly half – 48 per cent – of Brits say they wish they had more time for quality calls with family and friends.
And 28 per cent say they have been making more effort to phone their nearest and dearest during the pandemic.
A similar number – 27 per cent – say that staying connected by phone has helped them deal with feelings of loneliness during lockdowns.
Managing director Paul Sweeney said: ‘We’re encouraging our Sky Mobile customers to connect with a friend or family member this weekend for a proper catch-up, as even the quickest of calls can help put a smile on someone’s face’.
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