The smartphone is an integral part of our lives today. But we are so addicted to it that it can sometimes be a subject of conflict, especially when it comes to the table!
The smartphone has truly changed our lives. It's simple: we can no longer imagine living without it, and the mere thought of forgetting it at home or losing it gives us a cold sweat. But this obsession can sometimes turn into a nightmare. Indeed, the smartphone literally cuts us off from the outside world, it isolates us, harms our social relations and reduces the quality of our interactions. At the table, for example, the smartphone now has its place next to our plate and it can sometimes be a subject of conflict. We take a picture of our dish and then post it on the networks, we put it in front of our family and friends, we consult it as soon as we receive a notification or a message … In short, all the reasons are good to never cut!
The smartphone, a new guest too intrusive?
According to a recent survey conducted by OpinionWay for President on the relationship of French people with their smartphone at the table, 75% of 18-24 year olds, 70% of 25-34 year olds and more than one in two French people (55%) say answer the phone and text at mealtimes. Even more impressive, one in three French people aged 18-34 considers that "it is natural and in tune with the times". So should we really accept and put up with the laptop at the table? For a large majority of French people, this intrusive and addictive tool is a real poison.
Indeed, 84% of French people believe that the cell phone limits the conversation at the table and causes untimely interruptions. 62% of them also believe that it is detrimental to conviviality, 44% that it prevents them from fully enjoying their meal, 32% that it prevents disconnection, 23% that it makes less beneficial for health during mealtimes, 18 % makes cutting meals more stressful, 10% shortens the duration of the meal and also 9% is likely to suppress appetite.
The smartphone seems to be a real pollution
"The smartphone has imposed itself in our lives and even on our tables. However, this study shows that it seems to be a real" pollution "at the table for the majority of French people. It disturbs and disrupts the meal breaks to which the French are yet very attached and they sometimes regret not living fully. These meal breaks are, in France, real opportunities to meet, share and have fun ", says Gwenaëlle Lettermann, Marketing Director Lactalis Fromages.
"Of course the smartphone is part of our life … but maybe we can just try to give it the place it deserves, put it aside for our meal breaks and thus take a first step towards eating it better … ", she continues. What alert us to the relationship of dependence that we have with our smartphone and which is harmful to our well-being …
*President and OPINIONWAY study conducted from September 2 to 3, 2020 with a sample of 1006 people.