More than half of adults in the UK would barely communicate with anyone if they didn't have a mobile phone, according to a new study. Research by Tesco Mobile has found that, on average, people can only manage for five hours and 11 minutes without reaching for their phone.
The study aims to highlight how digital connectivity is essential to everyday life - and the challenges faced by those who are not online and connected. Tesco Mobile has partnered with the Trussell Trust, pledging to connect 50,000 people facing financial hardship by 2025 through its Little Helps Databank, as well as donating devices and data to support the charity's food bank network.
The mobile network's report reveals that a third of adults in the UK (38%) would feel disconnected, isolated (27%) and lonely (25%) without access to technology and the internet. More than half of respondents admitted they would hardly communicate with anyone at all if it wasn’t for their phone (56%), and over half (57%) agreed digital connection is vital for their wellbeing.
TV personality Dom Joly - best known for his comedy series Trigger Happy TV, in which he memorably appeared as a man seen shouting rudely in public into an oversized phone - backed the research by spending a weekend without devices. He found himself unable to pay for groceries without his mobile banking app, missed his daughter’s hockey game after he struggled to find the location without satellite navigation or maps on his phone, and was unable to pay a bill.
Joly said: "This experience has highlighted to me just how vital having digital connection is. I take a huge amount for granted having a mobile phone and internet access.
"In just a weekend, I felt very frustrated and isolated and didn’t expect to face such a variety of hurdles caused by my lack of data and internet. I can only imagine how hard it is for people who are disconnected over much longer periods and often without the support of others.
"Poverty is an issue that a growing number of families are facing across the UK. I hope to raise awareness of people facing financial hardship and not being able to afford essentials, like connectivity.”
Tesco Mobile's poll of 2,000 participants found adults rely on their phones to access the internet (51%), for tasks linked to their jobs (49%), to keep up to date with news (45%), to pay bills (32%), to book medical appointments (24%) and to order food shopping (22%).
Claire Pickthall, CEO of Tesco Mobile, said: "Technology enables us more than ever to help manage our lives. Whether it’s connecting with loved ones, making important appointments, or managing finances, everything can be done from one connected device. We rely on our smartphones so much, it’s hard to imagine how people who are disconnected are able to tackle those tasks.
"I’m really proud of the work we’re doing as part of our new partnership with the Trussell Trust and through the launch of our Little Helps Databank on this vital issue, to help connect people facing financial hardship, making sure they can access critical services and connect with others."
Emma Revie, CEO of the Trussell Trust, said: "The cost-of-living crisis is impacting all of us, but for people on the lowest incomes, it’s simply impossible. As the price of essentials continues to soar, families without enough money for life’s essentials are being increasingly caught between keeping themselves fed, warm or online. This simply isn’t right.
"We know that being online and connected can be life changing, as it allows people to apply for jobs, access information, stay connected and manage day to day life. Yet, many of the people that attend food banks do not have access to the internet. This is why we are so excited about our partnership with Tesco Mobile and the opportunities it will unlock for people facing hardship."
