Out of battery: The stresser for many Glaswegians

Glaswegians admit that poor battery life on their smartphones causes more stress than rowing with a partner or being late for a meeting, according to a new survey.
By The Newsroom
Published 30th Mar 2018, 17:19 BST
Updated 30th Mar 2018, 17:23 BST

More than half (68%) of the city’s residents are in a love/hate relationship with their current smartphones and want to switch devices but unlikely to do so due to inertia (33%), according the survey by smartphone manufacturer Huawei.

The study of over 2,000 British smartphone owners discovered the key annoyances people have with their mobile phones with short battery life (45%), having their phone screen freeze (24%) and poor reception and lack of storage (17%) some of the key technological bugbears.

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In fact, Glaswegians find leaving their phone at home even more stressful than missing an appointment, forgetting keys, wallet or missing public transport.

Most ranked stressful situations*

·Running out of phone battery at a crucial moment (7.3/10)

· Being late for a meeting or an event (7.0/10)

· Getting locked out of the house (6.6/10)

· Rowing with your partner, missing your train (6.4)

· Car breaking down (6.3/10)

· Getting stuck in traffic (6.2/10)

· Getting a dressing down from your boss (6.1/10)

· Starting a new job (6.0)

· Moving house (5.9/10)

· Writing a presentation / essay (5.8/10)

· Job interview, public speaking (5.7/10)

· Rowing with your children, breaking up with your partner (5.4/10)

· Becoming a parent (4.9/10)

*Most ranked stressful situations on a scale 1-10 (10 being very stressful, 1 being not stressful at all)

Psychologist Dr Linda Papadopoulos, said: “The research from Huawei has highlighted that smartphones have become an intrinsic part of our lives and people now see them very critical to human interaction. Individuals rely upon their phones to do a multitude of things, from telling them the time, acting as their GPS, to helping connect them with the rest of the world. When phone failures occur, such as a dead battery or lack of storage availability, individuals feel a sense of isolation or as though they’re not able to perform to their full capability.

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“This causes an instant moment of stress – which the survey has shown. Humans feel a connection to their smartphones in the same way they have a connection to a best friend or family member – but they also feel a dependence on them and how they facilitate their lives which is why being without them is so difficult.”

Smartphone frustrations also seem to be affecting UK comedy talent including Russell Kane, Marlon Davis, Jake Yapp and star of Made in Chelsea and Celebrity Big Brother, Ashley James who can all be seen discussing their problems here: https://youtu.be/ihp-Y60ea1s.