Smartphones ring changes in digital etiquette
Smartphones have transformed modern social etiquette with eight in 10 (80%) users now admitting they check devices when dining out with friends or family.
The latest Halifax Insurance Digital Home Index revealed that increasingly device-reliant lifestyles have changed rules around usage, with 78% using their phone in bed and more than a quarter (27%) using their smartphone in the bath.
Almost half of smartphone users (47%) would advise friends and family members that they shouldn’t feel pressured into responding to messages immediately. However, 41% admit to checking personal phones during work meetings and at mealtimes (42%).
Despite the increasing dependency of devices at work and at home, the research found a nation at risk of failing to take care of their digital ‘lifelines.’ Over half (52%) would advise friends and family to write down important numbers (52%), a third (38%) advise regularly backing up the device and nearly half (47%) would recommend regularly clearing devices to increase memory space.
The poll demonstrated how evolving digital etiquette affects relationships, with one in 10 (9%) smartphone users having been blocked or defriended on social media following an argument, and one in 20 (6%) saying they have argued with someone close about smartphone use. More than one in 10 (18%) recommend deleting an ex from social media and around a fifth (21%) would advise deleting an ex’s number.
Dr. Kairen Cullen, chartered educational psychologist, said: “We all want to feel important, and our constant checking of smartphones is probably influenced by this. Yet this behaviour actually risks having the opposite effect, since people who you’re spending time with can become more inclined to pay you less attention as a result. Clearly smartphones are immensely useful and certainly have a role to play in our lives, but it may be worth occasionally reassessing how and when we use them.”
Lack of awareness around the financial value of technology devices can put more than just relationships at risk. More than one in 10 (12%) smartphone users have smashed their screen or lost their phone (9%), and a third (31%) would advise against using smartphones while walking. Yet two thirds (66%) admitted their phone was not insured.
Martyn Foulds, senior claims manager at Halifax Home Insurance, says: “Smartphones and similar devices are now ingrained in our lives, yet the majority of users can’t afford for them to be subjected to theft, loss or damage – both in terms of the handset and the data, the cost of such a loss can leave a gaping hole in the wallet.
“Owners should check if it is covered by their home insurance policy and consider taking out additional insurance if not, for a small investment will protect them from a greater financial loss in the long-term.”
Keeping your property safe: advice from Halifax Home Insurance
Out of sight
When out and about at night, try to limit the amount you use any MP3 players, smartphones or tablets. White headphones can be a luminous giveaway to would-be thieves, whilst being distracted as you talk on the phone, listen to music or text can make you a walking target for accidents, collisions and theft.
On the move
Demand for portable items is high and they can be easily reprogrammed and resold, making them extremely attractive to thieves. Reduce your reliance on your phone, tablet or designer headphones and it will be easier to be more discreet when using these items in public. When they’re not in use, keep these valuables zipped safely in a pocket or bag. If they’re being kept in the car, make sure that they’re not in plain view.
Picture this
When you buy or receive a new valuable device, make sure that you keep the receipts and take photographs of the item. This will help to ensure that your insurance claim is processed as quickly as possible. If you’re storing this evidence electronically, make sure that it is backed up – either on an external hard drive or in cloud storage.
Password protected
While the value of a device might be high, the chances are that the information stored on it is even more valuable and more difficult to replace. Make sure that you have different passwords on all devices and wherever possible, choose the option to wipe the data if the incorrect password is entered a certain number of items.
Make your mark
Use an ultra violet pen to write your postcode on your valuable items to make them easier to identify.
For more information, visit halifax.co.uk/insurance.
