New data from experts at Compare and Recycle have revealed how our mobile phones are ruining our relationships ahead of Valentine’s Day.

As Valentine’s Day is around the corner, many are putting a microscope on their partners and taking a deeper look into their relationships. But when we rely so much on our phones, should we also be putting the spotlight on how they impact our relationships?

There are currently over 50,000 discussions on Reddit surrounding the topic of digital cheating and love online, and with two-thirds of Brits viewing online and physical infidelity equally devastating, many are facing relationship breakdowns as a result of our phones.

In light of this, mobile phone experts Compare and Recycle surveyed 2,000 UK adults to find out if they had experienced online cheating and what digital red flags they look for when they suspect their partner of cheating.

59% of Brits think secretly having two phones is the MOST suspicious behaviour in a partner
Trust manifests in various ways, but certain behaviours can raise red flags.

Having two phones without explanation tops the list of suspicious activities (59%), followed by defensive behaviour about phone access (50%) and deleted message histories (44%). These concerns reflect deeper anxieties about technology’s role in enabling secretive behaviour.

With 1 in 10 relationships ending due to suspicious phone activity, many are looking for ‘red flags’ that could indicate cheating before it becomes physical.

The ten most suspicious phone behaviours when in a relationship
Has two phones and you had no idea (59%)
Gets defensive if you ask to borrow their phone (50%)
Deletes messages and call history (44%)
Doesn’t let their phone out of their sight (39%)
Refuses to add you on social media (33%)
Has a heart emoji next to a contact’s name (36%)
Has their phone constantly going off (30%)
Using password-protected apps (29%)

Always keeps their phone face down (26%)
Keeps their phone on aeroplane mode around you (25%)