Gen Z’s WORST tech habits revealed as searches for ‘phone repair near me’ soar

 4 in 10 wait until their phone has died before charging it again

A recent survey of over 2,000 Brits, conducted by the smartphone comparison service Compare and Recycle, revealed that Gen Z are not taking good care of their mobile phones.

The experts are urging people to address these poor tech habits.

According to Tech Advisor, brand-new flagship phones in 2024 will start at around £700, with some models exceeding £1,000. Despite these high costs, the survey by Compare and Recycle found no correspondence in preventative measures for damage and care taken for these expensive devices.

In the past month alone, there have been 4,000 online searches in the UK for ‘phone repairs near me.’ Additionally, unconventional methods are becoming popular, with a staggering 59.3 million views on TikTok for the topic of ‘cracked phone screen hacks.’

Gen Z’s WORST tech habits revealed

Ranking

Habit

Percentage of Gen Z who admit to having habit

1

Charging phone only when the battery has died

42%

2

Not using a screen protector

42%

3

Delaying phone software updates for as long as possible

30%

4

Using cheaper off-brand charging cables

28%

5

Using phone underwater

7% 

  1. Charging the phone only when the battery has died

According to Compare and Recycle, 42% of Gen Z wait until their phone has died before charging it again – which is generally not recommended. Frequently allowing the battery to drain can have a significant impact on the battery’s health, reducing capacity and lifespan over time. 

  1. Not using a screen protector

Almost half of Gen Z (42%) do not use a screen protector on their mobile phone. Not only can they protect your device from scratches and scuffs that occur easily in everyday use, but certain screen protectors, such as ones made from tempered glass, can increase the resistance of the screen. This will prevent deeper cracks from occurring on your device, and instead, the protector will be impacted, in which case they can be easily removed and replaced. This is a far more cost-effective alternative to replacing the entire screen.

  1. Delaying phone software updates for as long as possible

30% of Gen Z delay their software updates for as long as possible. While carrying out an update may seem frustrating, or unimportant, they actually will improve your user experience. Software updates ensure that your device runs as smoothly as possible and fix any bugs. You will also be up to date with the latest software improvements, even aesthetic ones such as new emojis and designs. 

  1. Using cheaper off-brand charging cables

While using unbranded charging cables, as 28% of Gen Z do, may seem like a cost-effective solution to your charging needs, Compare and Recycle reports that it may not be such a good idea. Off-brand charging cables are often made to different quality and safety standards than reputable manufacturers, and can even contain incorrect voltage levels, causing damage to your phone and even becoming a fire hazard. 

  1. Using the phone underwater

With summer fast approaching and many holidays in arms reach, Compare and Recycle urges people to avoid using their phones underwater, as 7% of Gen Z admittedly do. While it may be tempting to snap a picture under the sea, there are greater alternatives, such as waterproof disposable cameras, which are not at the same risk of being damaged and would be far less costly of an issue if they were to break.

You can find the full study here.

Chris Price