One in 10 adults have missed a once-in-a-lifetime moment - because they were too busy scrolling on their phone.
A poll of 2,000 smartphone users found mindless scrolling has seen them miss winning goals, the exchanging of rings at weddings and candles being blown out during birthdays.
With 46 per cent admitting they’ve scrolled on their device during situations where they should have been present.
Almost half (49 per cent) regularly lose track of what they’re doing after flicking between multiple apps.
While 52 per cent have been so distracted by their phone, they’ve had to rewind a film or missed what was happening in the plot entirely.
A further 42 per cent have scrolled on their gadget when they should have been enjoying their surroundings of the beach or seaside.
And 41 per cent say they get distracted on their device when sightseeing on holiday.
While 27 per cent admit to unintentionally scrolling on their phones while at a concert or a sporting event.
As a result, 33 per cent worry they’re not always fully present in their own life because of their mobile phone use.
The research was commissioned by Virgin Media O2 following the launch of its ‘O2 scroll stopper’ callback service with Spice Girl Mel B, designed to help people take back control of interruptions and be more intentional with their phone usage time.
Nicola Green from the media and telecommunications company said: “Digital technology is central to our lives, with many positive impacts, but these results shows that people don’t always feel in control of how they use it.
“With a significant proportion of time online now unintentional, it points to a shift in how digital habits are forming and the impact that is having on people’s day-to-day wellbeing.
“That is exactly why we’re giving the nation the ultimate, straight-talking wake-up call to break the doomscrolling cycle so they can get more control over the time they spend online.”
The study also found 66 per cent admit to picking up their phone without a clear reason, while 35 per cent say they’ve lost far longer than planned scrolling in places like the bathroom.
When asked why, exactly half gave boredom as the main reason, with habit receiving 45 per cent and notifications 37 per cent – indicating the hold that digital platforms can have over people’s usage.
Meanwhile, 47 per cent wished they could reclaim the time they’ve spent on their smartphone.
With 39 per cent wanting to be more present with loved ones, whereas 32 per cent would spend more time exercising and 27 per cent would engage in more experiences.
More than half (57 per cent) said they stay up later than intended because of scrolling on their phone - on average for an additional 36 minutes due to flicking through apps.
With 45 per cent admitting the time spent scrolling on their gadget has worsened their quality of sleep, according to OnePoll figures.
When asked about what they're doing on their mobile phones, social media (44 per cent), online searching (30 per cent), and messaging apps (29 per cent) came out on top when losing track of time.
News (26 per cent), short-form video content (25 per cent), and shopping (12 per cent) were cited as some of the main reasons that keep them unintentionally scrolling.
People can try the O2 scroll stopper by sending a WhatsApp message to 078682 89802 or requesting a pre-recorded callback from Mel B [https://api.whatsapp.com/send/?phone=447868289802&text=I%27d+like+to+stop+scrolling%21&type=phone_number&app_absent=0].
Mel B said: “We’ve all fallen into the trap of repeatedly checking our phones and staying on them without even thinking about what we are doing, but I’m helping the nation to put a big stop to that.
“I’m a massive advocate for taking a break from my phone and that’s why I’m giving you that much-needed nudge to get away from a screen, to look up and get back to the good stuff happening right in front of you.
“And if I have to give you a bit of a telling-off to do it, well, that’s why they call me Scary - but you know it’s because I care.”
10 SITUATIONS ADULTS HAVE SCROLLED ON THEIR PHONE INSTEAD OF ENJOYING THE MOMENT:
1. At a family gathering or celebration
2. While out with friends at a pub or bar
3. At the beach or by the seaside
4. On holiday while sightseeing
5. On a scenic train journey
6. Walking in the countryside
7. At a sporting event in a stadium or arena
8. At a concert or live event
9. During a fancy meal at a restaurant
10. At a wedding ceremony or reception
