• New study shows how Brits are re-writing the rule book for romantic gestures with ‘thinking of you’ texts and video calls featuring in top 10 list alongside flowers and homecooked meals 
• Research reveals that Brits video call loved ones 547 times a year, send an average of 1,946 texts and spend a total of eight days, 13 hours and 28 minutes on the phone to loved ones
• 67% of Gen Z believe their mobile phone has actively improved their relationships and connections, compared to 33% of Boomers
• Joe Marler and Joe Wilkinson have reunited in a new tongue-in-cheek rom com to highlight how much it means to Brits to stay connected
• With Sky Mobile, customers can share any unused data with family and friends on their plan, so you can stay connected to the ones that matter most

New research has highlighted how mobile phones are helping Brits to re-write the rule book for romantic gestures, with almost a third (29%) of the nation saying that sending someone a ‘thinking of you text’ is one of the best ways of showing affection.

As the month of romance comes to a close, the study, which was commissioned by Sky Mobile, maps out how mobile connection is shaping our relationships. With 89% of Brits agreeing that mobile phones are more important than ever for staying connected to loved ones, and nearly half (49%) admitting that their phone has actively improved their relationship.

The poll discovered that Brits have become more connected than ever, taking an average of 547 video calls a year, typing and sending 1,945 texts (rising to 3,148 texts for Gen Z) and chatting on the phone for a staggering eight days, 13 hours and 28 minutes.

Technology has also changed our romantic gestures with sharing a voice note instead of a text, sending selfies and sharing memes making a new top ten list, alongside the more traditional gestures such as home cooked meals and handwritten love notes.

The Top 10 thoughtful romantic gestures include: 

1. Cooking a home cooked meal
2. Receiving a ‘thinking of you’ text
3. Receiving flowers
4. Receiving a handwritten love note / letter 
5. Planning a surprise date
6. Staying on the phone for hours
7. Turning up unannounced to see someone 
8. Sending a voicenote instead of a text 
9. Sharing videos and memes 
10. Receiving a selfie from someone

Generationally there’s a stark contrast when it comes to digital displays of affection. 38% of Boomers see an unexpected phone call as a sign of affection versus just 16% of the typically phone shy Gen Z and Millennials (17%).

Sending memes and videos splits opinions too as over a fifth of Gen Z and Millennials (21%) believe sending a meme is affectionate vs 5% of the older generations (Boomers).

Brits will turn to their phones even when they’re in the same location with 56% admitting to messaging a partner when they’re in the same house, and a surprising one in 10 Brits (13%) confessing to have video called a partner from the toilet, with Gen Z admitting to this habit the most (24%).

The research comes as Sky Mobile reignited the nation's favourite bromance between Joe Marler and Joe Wilkinson in a playful new campaign, rekindling their relationship and mirroring the dramatic modern beginnings of a new romance.

Joe Wilkinson said: “We all joke about being glued to our phones, but it can be the best way to stay connected to the people we care about. Even though Joe and I are both quite busy we do stay in touch a lot even if it’s just to try and arrange another game of padel…. We’re middle aged of course we play padel.”

Joe Marler added: “It’s actually quite romantic when you think about it. Calls, video calls, sharing data, knowing your loved one’s voice is only a tap away. You couldn’t wish for anything better really.”  

The research also found that younger generations are the most likely to view sharing mobile data as a gesture of modern love (53% of Gen Z compared to 22% of Boomers). Despite this, 41% of Boomers strongly agree that running out of data would feel like a temporary cut off from loved ones and a further 42% would be willing to share their data if given the option.

Ben Case, Managing Director of Connectivity at Sky, says “Almost half of Brits say their mobile phone has actively improved their relationships, so whether it’s friends, family or bromances, it’s clear that staying connected matters. Only Sky Mobile makes it easy to keep in touch with the people closest to you by letting you share and roll your data for up to a year.”

Alongside Joe and Joe, Brits clearly value meaningful mobile moments, and Sky Mobile helps staying connected even easier. Whether it’s sharing spare data with a loved one so you can video call without worrying about limits, or switching plans as life changes, Sky Mobile is designed around modern-day relationships.

With Sky Mobile, customers can share data with up to seven SIMs on their plan, helping to stay connected to their loved ones no matter where they are.

For more information, please contact emily.mckay@taylorherring.com

• Roll – roll your spare data for up to a year into your Sky Piggybank for use when you need it  
• Piggybank – share spare data in your Sky Piggybank with up to seven SIMs on your account or exchange it for rewards  
• Swap – swap to a new phone whenever you want, before your contract ends  
• Mix – Change your data plan whenever you like 
• Watch – enjoy hours and hours of streaming on Sky apps such as Sky Go, Sky Sports and more, without using your data allowance  
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• Text to Switch – simply text PAC to 65075 to get your switching code. We’ll take care of the rest