August 2019 – New research conducted by mobile tech brand HONOR has revealed that over three quarters of over 45’s believe that young people spend too much time on their phones, while only 8% of those aged 18-24 feel any negative effects of their smartphone usage.

To help shine a light on negative perceptions of youth smartphone usage and mark the launch of the new HONOR 20 PRO, HONOR has today unveiled an evolving graffiti mural in the heart of London.

The research, conducted by OnePoll among 2,000 Brits to analyse generational attitudes towards smartphones, found that although 92% of the UK now own a mobile phone, there is a disconnect between how older generations perceive Gen Z’s usage in comparison to how they view their own.

41% of 45+ year olds believe smartphones have a negative impact on the lives of Gen Z, while 62% of that same age bracket believe smartphones have a positive effect on their own lives.

Meanwhile, three quarters (76%) of 18-24 year olds feel that their smartphone usage is totally misunderstood by the older generation with 90% saying they had shown older generations how to do something on the phone, despite only 33% of over 35’s being comfortable admitting to this.

As modern lifestyles have changed, the shift in how we engage with one another has also taken a turn. Results show that, thanks to ongoing advancements in smartphone cameras, 95% of Gen-Z have now used photography as a form of communication with more than three quarters (83%) doing so multiple times a week, whilst Baby Boomers (35%) and Traditionalists[1] (43%) still prefer to communicate face-to-face.

Britain is more creative, connected and entrepreneurial than ever before with 50% of 18-24 year olds having uncovered artistic talents through the use of a smartphone in comparison to 24% of the 55+ age bracket. Gen Z use their phones for an increasingly wide variety of tasks, many of which could be seen as productive. For instance, 55% of the demographic know someone with a side hustle, of which 64% said this earns them money and 41% saying they couldn’t do it without their mobile phone. What’s more, almost half of the UK (49%) believe they are more productive due to having a smartphone, 60% of which are part of Gen Z.

Despite some negative perceptions from older generations, HONOR’s research actually revealed that those aged between 18-24 are using their smartphone in more positive ways than any other generation.

77% of over 45’s feel that young people spend too much time on their phones.

Only 8% of those aged 18-24 feel smartphones have a negative impact on their lives.

90% of Gen Z have shown older generations how to do something on their phone.

50% of 18-24 year olds say they have uncovered artistic talents through using their smartphones.

Disconnect amongst generations:

➢ 76% of Gen Z feel their smartphone usage is misunderstood

➢ 4 in 10 baby boomers and traditionalists (45+) believe smartphones have a negative effect on young people’s lives. However, only 8% of gen z feel that smartphones have a negative impact on their lives.

➢ 90% of 16-24 year olds have said they have shown a member of the older generation how to use their mobile phone, despite only 33% of over 35’s admitting to having had technical help from someone younger than them.

Graffiti Kings created mural that changes by night to reflect the research.