Miserable millennials are more likely to send a WhatsApp message to their family than speak over the phone this Christmas.
According to new research by Vodafone UK, the generation that grew up with Nokia phones is leaning on typing over talking to spread festive cheer this year, with nearly half (49 per cent) of Brits aged 28 to 43 planning to ping loved ones a text.
While Millennials might be hitting 'send' rather than dialing, their tech habits set them apart from younger and older generations. Despite texting being the preferred method of communication for Gen Z, they are most likely to opt for a video call to wish loved ones a 'Happy Christmas.' Meanwhile, the Baby Boomer generation, champions of tradition, are sticking to classic phone calls this year.
The survey also found that connectivity is central to Christmas in the modern world, with more than half of Brits admitting they struggle to imagine the holiday without it. Besides staying in touch, the top ways Brits use phones, tablets and laptops at Christmas include shopping, finding discounts, social media - and tracking when to take their turkey out of the oven.
"For some, tech plays an even bigger role - over two in five parents say digital tools help make Christmas more magical,"
from streaming festive music and videos to tracking Santa's sleigh.
However, Britons most appreciate the opportunity to reconnect and get together with loved ones. Over two thirds value hearing from loved ones more than Christmas dinner (47 per cent), presents (23 per cent), or family games (18 per cent).
"But not everyone is feeling the digital warmth this Christmas,"
as nearly half of Brits report experiencing loneliness during the holidays due to reasons like not having loved ones nearby or lacking skills or means for digital connection. According to the study, a third of Brits will be spending this Christmas apart from their loved ones because they are with a partner's family or working. This includes a quarter (24 per cent) of both Gen Z and Millennials who will be spending their first Christmas away from their parents.
"Connecting with loved ones is a hugely important part of the festive season," said Nicki Lyons from Vodafone UK.
"If you aren't together in person, technology becomes central."
The research comes as Vodafone announced it has helped three million digitally excluded people and businesses cross the digital divide as part of its everyone.connected initiative.
Younger Generations' Changing Festive Traditions
A study has shown young Britons want to ditch turkey from their Christmas dinner along with other much-loved festive traditions. Gen Z are keen for a meat-alternative on December 25 and would also rather replace an after-dinner cheese board according to research by Costa Coffee.
"Despite 68% of Brits stating that their households enjoy the same 'traditional' Christmas meal,"findings show that younger and older generations have very different views about food.
It's due partly due changing attitudes on booze among younger generations. An increasing number reducing alcohol intake adopting teetotal lifestyles. Though revellers wave goodbye alcohol expect solid night's sleep instead. Mistletoe firm no-no according renowned auctioneer Nick Champion whose mistletoe sales plummeted recent years young people aren't interested kissing under anymore'.