Brits are struggling to put their phones down – even for love. New research from NYX Hotel Holborn uncovers just how often screens come between couples on date nights and special occasions such as Valentine’s Day.
The research, which surveyed 2,000 UK adults in relationships, reveals that nearly half of Brits (48%) spend up to half an hour on their phone during dates with their partner, with just one in three (34%) claiming they wouldn’t touch their phone at all. This suggests screen time has become a normal part of romantic moments.
Younger couples are even more glued to their screens. Among Gen Z, over three quarters (77%) spend up to half an hour scrolling during dates, while only a quarter (23%) say they wouldn’t pick up their phone at all. The habit is even more common among Millennials, with 84% saying they typically spend up to 30 minutes on their phones when out with their partner.
Couples aren’t just casually scrolling either. More than a third (38%) admit they’ve felt ignored by their partner because they were on their phone, rising to almost a quarter who say it’s happened more than once on special occasions such as Valentine’s Day, birthdays or anniversaries. This figure increases sharply among younger couples, with 67% of Gen Z feeling sidelined at least once by their partner.
When asked about the biggest digital distractions, social media topped the list (26%), followed by messaging apps (21%), work emails (6%) and gaming (5%) – proving that phones have become the ultimate third wheel in modern relationships. The pattern shifts across generations – with social media named the top distraction for both Gen Z (37%) and Millennials (46%), while Gen Z also points to gaming (17%) as a major culprit.
Despite this, Brits are clearly craving deeper connection. Two thirds (66%) agree that Valentine’s Day is best spent phone-free, showing couples recognise that disconnecting from devices could help rebuild intimacy.
In response to the findings, Midtown Bar & Grill at NYX Hotel Holborn is launching “Just Us”, a phone-free Valentine’s dining experience designed to help couples reclaim date night. Guests are asked to* hand in their phones at NYX’s very own Cupid Concierge before dining, creating space for conversation and real quality time.
Alongside the phone-free experience, guests can enjoy NYX’s specially curated Valentine’s set menu. The evening begins with a complimentary glass of prosecco on arrival, followed by a three-course menu featuring a range of indulgent dishes including Sambuca-flamed King Scallops, Ardgay Venison Wellington and classic Red Velvet Cake. Couples also receive a special Valentine’s cocktail with dessert, and a single red rose to truly mark the occasion.
“Just Us” transforms Valentine’s Day into a fully immersive, phone-free date night where love, not notifications, takes centre stage. Midtown at NYX Hotel Holborn’s Valentine’s Day set menu is available from Monday 9th February to Sunday 15th February, priced at £150 per couple (£75 pp). Bookings can be made via NYX Hotel Holborn.