A new study has found that three-quarters of Gen Z adults struggle to maintain concentration during face-to-face conversations, often reaching for their phone in just over two minutes. The survey of 2,000 young adults aged 18 to 28 revealed how technology and excessive phone use are affecting attention spans, real-world interactions, and mental health.
According to the research commissioned by AXA UK as part of its annual Mind Health Report, 39% of respondents experience a “strong urge” to check their phones during conversations. The biggest distractions include checking messages, scrolling through social media, and watching YouTube videos. Notifications from phone calls, WhatsApp, and social media were identified as the most difficult to ignore.
Dr. Linda Papadopoulos, psychologist and broadcaster, weighed in on the findings, saying, “We’re seeing a generation that’s more connected than ever, yet lonelier and more anxious. Constant notifications, endless scrolling, and the pressure to be ‘always on’ are overstimulating their nervous systems and fragmenting their attention spans.”
The poll revealed that 38% of respondents actually find in-person conversations “boring,” with 63% admitting they struggle with real-life interactions altogether. The majority use their phones as a form of escapism, particularly during social events (28%), conversations with friends (18%), and even discussions with parents (17%).
For some, the reliance on phones has deeper implications as over one-third reported being uncomfortable when they didn’t have access to their phone, furthmore, 28% said being without it triggers anxiety. Dr. Papadopoulos also reported her patients wake up in the night to check for replies on social media.
One in five Gen Z adults say they struggle with focus and productivity as a direct result of heavy phone use. But the findings point to social media as a key cause of low mental wellbeing. For a third of respondents, comparing their appearance to others online has negatively affected their self-esteem, while scrolling social media before bed has impacted mental health for another 33%.
AXA UK & Ireland’s CEO Tara Foley shared her concerns, stating,”The results of our fifth Mind Health Report are both enlightening and alarming. As a society we’re so well connected via our screens that sometimes we’re losing the human touch. It’s unsurprising so many parents are worried about the impact phone use could be having on their children.”
While only 14% of those struggling with mental health said they would turn to a healthcare professional for help, most indicated they would confide in a friend (37%) or partner (31%). Distressingly, another 14% said they didn’t have anyone they could speak to at all.
Despite these concerns, some young people are taking action. Over half (56%) have intentionally taken breaks from social media or phone use to improve their mental health and experts suggest this is a step in the right direction.
Dr Linda Papadopoulos added: “We need to help young people build healthier digital habits – not necessarily by removing phones entirely, but by creating structure around their use.
“That might mean phone-free time in the mornings and evenings, limiting notifications or engaging in daily activities that are screen-free and intentionally present.”
Foley added: “We hope this research will encourage a more collaborative approach so that solutions which foster resilience and improve mental health outcomes can be developed for everyone, but especially for young people.”