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How long can you talk to a Gen Z-er before they reach for their phone? According to new research, not very long at all. A recent study has revealed that the average Gen Z individual, those aged between 18 and 28, lasts just two minutes and 15 seconds in a conversation before checking their device.
The findings, part of AXA UK’s annual Mind Health Report, shine a light on the digital habits of the younger generation and the psychological factors behind their screen time. It turns out that the impulse to check messages, scroll through social media, or watch a quick YouTube clip is often more than just boredom, it’s closely linked to feelings of anxiety, restlessness, and even social disconnection.
According to the study of 2,000 young adults, nearly three-quarters of respondents admitted they struggle to maintain concentration during face-to-face conversations. A significant 39% confessed to feeling a powerful urge to reach for their phones mid-conversation, even in social settings. Whether it's chatting with friends (18%), catching up with parents (17%), or attending a social event (28%), Gen Zers are frequently distracted by their screens — and it’s even impacting their performance at work, with 28% admitting to zoning out during professional interactions.
The most irresistible distractions? Checking messages (48%), scrolling through social feeds (44%), and opening YouTube (18%) topped the list. Incoming calls (32%), WhatsApp messages (23%), and social media mentions (14%) were described as the hardest notifications to ignore.
While the behaviours might seem frustrating to older generations, experts say they’re symptomatic of deeper issues. AXA UK’s report links these habits to heightened levels of anxiety and mental fatigue among young adults, many of whom use their phones as a form of emotional escape. In fact, 77% of those surveyed said they rely on their phone to detach from stressful situations, while 63% admitted to struggling with real-life, in-person interactions.
As digital dependency continues to grow, particularly in the post-pandemic world, the findings prompt a bigger conversation about how to balance tech use with meaningful social connection. With Gen Z shaping the future of both communication and the workplace, understanding, and addressing, these habits may be key to improving not only productivity but mental wellbeing across the board.
