Don’t just talk online, campaign urges millennials
YOUNG PEOPLE would rather use social media or talk online to people they do not know than have a conversation face-to-face, research has suggested.
Those aged 18 to 24 are around 20 times more likely to never speak to their neighbours, than those aged 55 and over, a survey carried out on behalf of Cancer Research UK found.
Experts said the research showed an increasing generational divide between how millennials and baby boomers prefer to communicate.
The charity said that while social media can be helpful in building up contacts, studies show that young adults with high social media usage can feel more socially isolated than those who use it less.
Nearly half of 18 to 24-year-olds said they felt more comfortable using social media, messaging apps and online to talk to people they did not know, the research found.
Just two in five of 18 to 24-yearolds said they would be more comfortable speaking in person, compared to two-thirds of over 55s.
The figures are being released as Cancer Research UK marks World Cancer Day on February 4.
The charity is also encouraging people across the country to come together in person to unite against cancer.
Dr Rebecca Beeken, a behavioural scientist working on cancer prevention at Leeds University, said: “This research shows an increasing generational divide. While it is no surprise that young people are embracing new ways to chat, and there are supportive communities online, it is important they don’t lose the art of talking to the people around them.”