Young people shun face-to-face chats for online conversations

Survey: Cancer charity says results show how social isolation develops

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 young adults with high social media usage can feel more socially isolated than those who use it less.

Nearly half (44%) 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 (37%) of 18 to 24-yearolds said they would be more comfortable speaking in person, compared to two-thirds (67%) of over55s.

And more than a quarter (27%) of the younger age group said they have never spoken to someone they did not know on public transport – more than five times the rate of those aged 55 and over (5%).

Nearly half (47%) said they prefer to listen to music on their headphones instead.

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 and wear Unity Band wristbands to show their support.

Dr Rebecca Beeken, a behavioural scientist working on cancer prevention at Leeds University, said: “This research shows an increasing generational divide between how millennials and baby boomers prefer to communicate.

“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.

“Social isolation can be associated with poor health and poorer health behaviours and we know social support is important for adopting healthy lifestyle changes.”

A report released by the Jo Cox Loneliness Commission last month found that loneliness is as harmful to health as obesity or smoking 15 cigarettes a day.

Picture: PA. Chatting to strangers on social media forums is far more normal for many younger people than talking to strangers in the street, a survey says.