Study Finds Most Cornwall Residents Use Phones While Watching TV

Study reveals nearly 3 in 4 people in Cornwall can’t resist the scroll

New research shows Cornwall residents are struggling to switch off during screen time – and it’s their phones, not the telly, that are grabbing their attention.

A UK-wide survey by AO.com has found that 73% of people in Cornwall and the South West admit to checking their phone while watching television. Almost 1 in 5 (19%) say they always do it, even during their favourite shows.

The findings suggest we’re a nation of distracted viewers, with many missing plot twists and only half-watching episodes as they scroll through apps and social media.

Millennials Lead the Multitasking Trend

While Gen Z often gets the blame for having short attention spans, it’s actually Millennials – those aged 25-34 – who are most likely to scroll during TV time.

According to the research:

The habit is more common among women, with 82% admitting they scroll during TV time, compared to 75% of men. Across the UK, only 9% say they never pick up their phone when watching telly.

Nick Bunce, a TV expert from AO.com, said:

“We probably shouldn’t be surprised, but these stats show just how tough it’s become to properly switch off when we finally sit down to watch our favourite programmes.

Phone scrolling has quietly crept into evening routines – even in the moments we’re meant to be relaxing. For lots of us, the days of watching telly and being fully immersed in the experience without any distractions are long gone.

But it’s important to remember that not all scrolling is bad. Some people are actually enhancing the viewing experience – looking up trivia, chatting with friends about what they’re watching, or reacting live on social media. It’s a form of media meshing that’s becoming a new normal for how many people enjoy content.”

How Cornwall Compares to Other Cities

While Cornwall scored high, it wasn’t top of the leaderboard when it comes to phone use during TV. The biggest screen scrollers were found in:

Tips to Cut Down on Scrolling

For those looking to break the habit, Nick shared some practical tips to help viewers stay focused on their favourite shows:

1. Do Not Disturb Mode
   “Set your phone to ‘Do Not Disturb’ at the same time each evening – around 7pm is ideal. It’s a simple way to reduce interruptions and keep only the essential notifications coming through while you unwind.”

2. Switch Your Phone to Greyscale
   “Switching your phone to greyscale mode can dramatically reduce how appealing it looks. Without all the colourful icons and eye-catching, distracting visuals, your brain gets less of that dopamine hit – and you’re far more likely to put it down.”

3. Set Screen Time Limits
   “Use app timers or screen limit tools to automatically lock apps like Instagram after a set time. It takes the decision out of your hands – so when the limit kicks in, you’re not tempted to keep scrolling during your favourite show.”

With just 9% of people fully unplugging, the habit of dual-screening may be here to stay. But with a few tweaks, Cornwall viewers might just reclaim their attention and start enjoying their shows distraction-free.