13 October 2009 | Author: D. Warburton Search Copywriter

Two thirds of the UK population needs to switch on to switch off

Two thirds of the UK population feels more relaxed when constantly connected to technology, according to a new report conducted by The Future Laboratory.

The psychological study of 1,000 people revealed that 35 per cent of respondents experienced some form of anxiety when removed from technology that allows them to stay in touch with their family, such as the internet and mobile phones. Tech Digest reports that 27 per cent experienced similar anxiety about losing contact their friends, while 31 per cent were most concerned about the inability to work or earn money online.

This majority group of the UK population has been coined 'SOSOs' - people who 'switch on to switch off.' With reports earlier this year that British citizens are now spending more time online than watching TV, websites such as social networks have joined mobile phones and digital television as necessities of everyday life for the majority of the population. According to the report, 25 per cent of respondents feel anxiety when unable to access online maps, 21 per cent need constant access to dating services and 15 per cent feel uneasy when denied access to the best online shopping deals.

Psychologist Nik Simpson explains the anxiety of not being connected, stating: "At any moment, an urgent email may ping into an inbox, a client may call, an old friend may get in touch via Facebook or a family member may want to get in touch. Therefore, to disconnect from technology may mean missing something we cannot afford to. Always being connected actually becomes increasingly essential for peace of mind, further reinforcing SOSO values."

A large proportion of SOSOs are stay-at-home parents, with 48 per cent being most relaxed when connected to the outside world via broadband connections and other technology in their 'Neo-Nest.' 85 per cent of stay-at-home parents are connected to broadband around the clock, 49 per cent have digital television constantly switched on and they are also the most frequent users of mobile phone users, at 62 per cent.

One third of SOSOs are also rejecting claims that they should feel guilty about their desire to be connected at all times, seeing it as a natural consequence of the digital age.

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