Rudest generation? Millennials say good manners ‘outdated’

MILLENNIALS believe that traditional manners are outdated with four in 10 refusing to give up their seat to pensioners or pregnant women on public transport.

A study also found that nearly a third of those in their early 20s to late 30s – known as the generation that came of age at the turn of the century – now ignore proper queue etiquette.

And five in six insist traditional British politeness, such as saying “please” and “thank you” or holding a door open, is old fashioned.

Instead, the research by insurance firm Privilege suggests how people treat each other online is more important to millennials.

Breaking off communication with someone on social media – known as ghosting – is identified as a modern faux pas.

Etiquette

By contrast, 42 per cent admit they would not be willing to give up their seat on public transport for pregnant women or the elderly.

Privilege Insurance’s research found that the entire nation is increasingly less polite.

One in five adults no longer holds doors open for passers-by, 18 per cent don’t observe queue etiquette and 13 per cent don’t say “please” or “thank you”.

A third of all those questioned would not give up their seat on public transport, while 38 per cent believe pulling a chair out for people is outdated.

Seven in 10 Britons believe we are not as polite as we were 10 years ago.

The study of more than 2,000 reveals how manners are changing. Modern mustnots now include reading someone’s phone or social media messages and scrolling through someone’s photo album without permission. Littering, playing music too loudly from our phones, and talking too loudly on public transport are also viewed as inconsiderate behaviours now.

Charlotte Fielding, head of Privilege Motor Insurance, said: “It appears that a new, modern etiquette has taken hold, with TV spoilers and social media mustnots overtaking things like not offering to take someone’s coat, or [not] holding doors open for people when it comes to what’s rude.”

The study also found only 12 per cent of men follow rules of etiquette with women almost twice as polite on 22 per cent. Nottingham was found to be the rudest city while Cardiff is the politest.