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There’s no doubt that advances in mobile and online communications have revolutionised the way we live. But the latest research by a mobile phone comparison site suggests that whilst enhancements in technology are making some aspects of life a lot easier, we are now finding human interaction a lot harder as a result.

A weighty 39% of the 1035 people surveyed by Omio.com believe that online networks like Facebook and Twitter have had a negative influence on our real social skills, with a staggering 42% admitting that they now find face-to-face conversations uncomfortable.

In fact, whilst the internet is a lifeline for many with long-distance loved-ones, 20% of those surveyed say they will only communicate with certain friends online, even though they live nearby.

The ease of instant messaging and email applications have also greatly impacted life in the workplace, as almost a quarter of us admit we would prefer to message a nearby colleague rather than speak to them in person.

It’s not just the internet that is changing society’s habits - research into mobile phone usage indicates that our ideas of socially acceptable behaviour are changing. Traditionally a faux pas, answering a mobile during a meal at a restaurant is something that 41% of us will now happily do, while 67% of us see nothing wrong in taking a call on a bus or train.

The research indicates we could be in danger of creating a disconnected society, says Ernest Doku of Omio.com:

‘In certain cases, such as free long-distance phone calls online, the changes have been for the better, making our lives easier and enabling us to stay in touch with friends and family.

‘But there’s clearly a danger that, as we become more reliant on connecting through technology, we start to become more and more disconnected from each other.

‘Yesterday’s unacceptable is fast becoming today’s acceptable.’

Jessica Whiteley