Brits admit screen time keeps them indoors, but they keep scrolling anyway

The poll found more than one in three Brits (36%) admitted to spending longer on their phones than they intended during the past month, while nearly one in four (23%) said screen time meant they had stayed indoors for longer than planned. Almost a quarter (22%) said they had lost track of time scrolling on social media, and 20% said they had delayed tasks because they were on their phones. A further 30% said they had gone to bed later than intended, while 20% admitted putting off exercise.

The research, commissioned by Ordnance Survey, found that the most common reasons for phone use were keeping up with news and current events (52%), staying in touch with friends and family (50%), and passing the time when bored (46%). 45% of people said they enjoyed scrolling as a way to relax.

The survey also found that many adults feel "boxed in" by everyday pressures, with financial worries (62%), work commitments (55%) and family responsibilities (50%) among the most cited factors. More than a third of adults (35%) also believe too much screen time makes people feel trapped in everyday life. 

Half of Gen Z adults admit spending longer on their phones than intended, while four in 10 have lost track of time scrolling social media.

While phones and screens are hugely popular, according to the survey they have not dampened the British public’s love for the outdoors. Only 7% of respondents felt using social media or screen time was a barrier to getting outdoors.

OS’s Managing Director for Leisure, Nick Giles, believed the key was finding balance between the two. He said:

“Carrying phones has become a way of life for the vast majority of us in Britain. There's no doubt that behaviours such as doomscrolling can have a negative effect on people's mental health. We’ve all had an evening or day at the weekend where we’ve ended up watching screens and wondering where the time has gone. But mobile devices are a wonderful tool for helping us discover real-life adventures in the outdoors.

“The British public’s love of the great outdoors remains as strong as ever. So why not combine the two and use your phone for navigating and discovering places outside you have never been to before, and connect with friends and family for a break from the norm.”

The survey findings have been released as part of OS's Get Real campaign, encouraging people across Britain to swap screen time for real-world experiences and rediscover the benefits of spending time outdoors.

OS Maps app is Britain’s most popular outdoor navigation app and is packed with suggested routes and ideas for getting outside.

Last year, the August Bank Holiday weekend was busier than 93% of all weekends for route navigation on OS Maps, with activity increasing by 54% compared with a typical weekend.

During the weekend, users followed OS Maps routes covering a combined 450,000 miles of planned trails, the equivalent of travelling around the Earth 18 times.

For more information visit osmaps.com.