Monday dread keeps Britons doomscrolling on Sunday nights
Key Points
- New research reveals that Sunday is now the busiest day of the week for mobile traffic in the United Kingdom.
- A study by Virgin Media O2 found that almost half of Brits stay up late on Sunday scrolling on their phones.
- Much of this Sunday-night scrolling is triggered by anxieties such as worrying over the work week ahead.
- Young adults are particularly prone to late-night scrolling, with 62% still up using their smartphones at 11:00pm on Sunday nights.
Sunday has become Britain’s busiest day online, but the surge in traffic is driven in significant part by anxiety over the week ahead.
This is according to new research from Virgin Media O2, which surveyed 1,000 people across the United Kingdom over their mobile usage habits.
The company’s network data reveals that broadband traffic on Sunday is 12% higher than the weekly average and peaks at 9:20pm.
Of the 1,000 people surveyed in a study commissioned by Virgin Media O2, 62% said they scroll social media on Sunday evenings to prepare for Monday morning.
The data suggests that while people attempt to scroll to switch off and relax, a significant portion are prompted to begin scrolling by anxiety over work and the week ahead.
52% of those who used their phones into the evening on Sunday cited at least one anxiety-related trigger for this late-night scrolling, including avoiding Monday, worrying about work generally, or struggling to sleep.
One of the most notable trends revealed by the research is that disparity between how people would like to use their phones in the evening and how they actually do.
58% of those surveyed said they plan an early night on Sundays but end up staying up later than intended, while 42% are stilling using their phones at 11:00pm or later.
This behaviour is particularly pronounced amongst younger adults, 62% of whom are still up using their smartphones at or after 11:00pm.
“The ‘Sunday Scrollies’ reflect the many ways people use connectivity as Monday approaches, from relaxing and connecting with loved ones to completing life admin and getting organised for the week ahead,” said Virgin Media O2 Chief Technology Officer Jeanie York.
“Being online can help people relax, connect and feel organised, but our findings also show how easily screen time can run later than planned.
“Understanding those habits is an important first step towards making technology work more intentionally for each person,” York said.
