Viewers lose the plot if they fiddle with their phone while watching TV

PLOT twists, confusing whodunits and surprise endings – some of our most favourite TV dramas require full and undivided attention.

But two-thirds of global viewers are continually baffled by the plot of TV and films because they are ‘second screening’ – watching two screens at once – a survey by Radio Times has found.

British viewers fare even worse than the worldwide average, with 74 per cent of us admitting to plot confusion caused by dual devices. This compares with 66 per cent of Americans and Canadians and 68 per cent of Australians. Interactive programmes such as Love Island and Britain’s Got Talent, where viewers vote on apps, are behind the significant rise in ‘second screening’.

Tim Glanfield, the editorial director of RadioTimes.com, said: ‘Second screening undoubtedly brings benefits and new angles.’ But he added: ‘While shows encourage viewers to engage on social media during the broadcasts, there is a downside to having your phone in your hand while watching TV.’ Last year an Ofcom investigation into children’s media use found that the time watching TV on a set is decreasing, while tablet use rises.

Half of children between five and 15 now watch online streaming services, with YouTube becoming the viewing platform of choice among eight to 11-year- olds. The report found that 19 per cent of three and four-year-olds have a tablet; 83 per cent of 12 to 15-year-olds own a smartphone.

In 2018 the estimated time spent watching television content on a TV set fell by about one hour per week on 2017.

Watching programmes has become a solitary activity, with children viewing alone on mobiles. Live TV viewing is increasingly limited to ‘appointment to view’ programmes such as live sport.