Gen Z have declared replying “lol” in every message as one of the ultimate phone icks – along with the thumbs-up emoji, and sending a string of one-word texts.
A poll of 2,000 smartphone users found 26 per cent of young people think playing voice notes in public is seriously uncool, while 21 per cent feel the same about leaving the keyboard sound on.
Another 21 per cent said getting a “??” message after just two minutes without replying is a major red flag.
But for 29 per cent, the biggest gripe is someone taking an eternity to respond – with a huge 58 per cent of Gen Z admitting they’ve even considered dumping a partner over poor phone etiquette.
The research was commissioned by Sky Mobile, which has teamed up with TV personality Pete Wicks to stop and spot the nation’s worst phone sins.
He said: “Let’s be honest, nothing gives me the ick more than someone who takes hours to reply or chucks about a hundred emojis in one message.
“The research proves we’re all sick of the same bad habits – but the best bit is, they’re easy to fix.
“Keep it simple, reply on time and don’t be that person blasting videos out loud on the train.
“Stick to that and you’ll stay well out of the ‘phone ick zone’.”
The study also revealed 56 per cent of Gen Z have judged someone based on their choice of emoji, with the poo emoji crowned the most cringe (29 per cent).
This was followed by the monkey covering its eyes (26 per cent), the thumbs-up and the awkward grimace (both 19 per cent).
In fact, nearly one in five (18 per cent) of those aged 18–28 cringe daily at someone’s phone or messaging behaviour.
Despite this, 79 per cent confessing to ignoring messages on purpose.
While 50 per cent even reckon calling someone without warning is downright rude – compared to just four per cent of boomers.
Overall, 61 per cent have even confessed to feeling embarrassed by their own texting habits, committing a minimum of two ‘phone icks’ a day.
Including taking loud phone calls in a public place (61 per cent), blasting music or videos (51 per cent) and irritating ringtones (30 per cent).
More than half (54 per cent) believe bad phone manners are on the rise, and 14 per cent admit they’d even end a friendship if someone was guilty too often.
Ben Case, managing director of connectivity at Sky Mobile, added: “Our research shows that our phone habits say more about us than we realise and can even make or break a relationship.
"We’re making it easier to stay effortlessly connected, whether it’s rolling over spare data or switching up your plan to suit you.”
TOP 10 PHONE ICKS, ACCORDING TO GEN Z:
1. Late replies
2. Saying “lol” in every message
3. Playing loud video or voice notes in public
4. Overusing emojis or GIFs
5. Texting ‘??’ after 2 minutes of no reply
6. Keyboard sounds left on
7. Loud ringtones or alarms
8. Replying with a thumbs up
9. Having yourself as your lockscreen
10. Sending multiple one-word messages in a row
