Adults predict they go without their phone and TV for only 5 hours

Adults predict they could only go without their phone and TV for just five hours, while they could manage three days without a laptop or tablet.

A study of 2,000 Brits found 71 per cent admitted they’d struggle to manage their life if they didn’t have access to the internet.

And without a phone more than half (56 per cent) would hardly communicate with anyone.

When it comes to games consoles, adults could manage for three days without access to them.

But people would only be able to manage an average of five hours and 11 minutes without their phone, relying on it for online banking (44 per cent), social media (38 per cent) and maps and directions (34 per cent).

The research was commissioned by Tesco Mobile, which is distributing data through the Trussell Trust’s network of food banks as part of its Little Helps Databank, aiming to connect 50,000 people facing financial hardship by 2025.

Facing financial hardship

The study also found 57 per cent agreed digital connection is vital for their wellbeing and a further 56 per cent also said it’s important for their social life and 49 per cent rely on accessing the internet for their job.

Tesco Mobile have teamed up with comedian Dom Joly to highlight the importance of being online and connected.

He spent a weekend without any devices and came up against several problems including being unable to pay for groceries without his banking app.

Dom Joly said: “This experience has highlighted to me just how vital having digital connection is.

“I take a huge amount for granted having a mobile phone and internet access.

“In just a weekend I felt very frustrated and isolated and didn’t expect to face such a variety of hurdles caused by my lack of data and internet.

“I can only imagine how hard it is for people who are disconnected over much longer periods and often without the support of others.

“Poverty is an issue that a growing number of families are facing across the UK. I hope to raise awareness of people facing financial hardship and not being able to afford essentials, like connectivity.”

Chris Price