Pure Telecom survey reveals 38% of adults in Ireland are muting their family instant messaging group

Pure Telecom, Ireland’s high-speed broadband and telecoms provider, has announced the results of its inaugural Connected Lives survey, which found the average adult in Ireland is in five active instant messaging groups. The research found that the majority of people (79%) have at least one instant messaging group muted.

The nationally representative survey of 1,004 adults in Ireland was conducted by Censuswide on behalf of Pure Telecom and explored people’s communications with others. The survey found that 96% of people are in at least one instant messaging group and the majority of us are not afraid to hit the ‘mute’ button.

Pure Telecom’s research found that 38% of those who are in instant messaging groups have a family group silenced, while the same proportion are muting a friends group. Nearly a quarter (24%) said that they have muted their work group, while 16% have turned off notifications for a sport or fitness group. Others being muted are neighbourhood groups (15%), hobby groups (13%), parents’ groups (13%) and family groups of a spouse or partner (13%).

The research also delved into how often people are communicating with each other – both over the phone and digitally, including via instant message, video call, social media and email. More than two-thirds (67%) of adults who are in a relationship reported having a phone conversation with their other half every day, while 58% said that they have digital communications with them daily.

Meanwhile, 40% of adults who can speak to their mother have phone calls with her every day – with women being far more likely than men to do this – while 33% communicate with them digitally every day. That compares to a considerably lower 25% who speak to their father on the phone every day, or 23% who exchange daily digital communications with their dad. Adults in Ireland are therefore 60% more likely to speak to their mum on the phone every day than they are to their dad.

Pure Telecom’s research found that when it comes to all immediate family members, adults in Ireland prefer to have a chat on the phone. However, the survey found the opposite to be the case for friends, with 23% of people saying they have phone conversations with their friends every day, compared to 31% who have communicate digitally.

Paul Connell, CEO, Pure Telecom, said: “Our research shows that we are a connected, sociable population and most of us have found a balance between communicating with loved ones over the phone and using the range of digital options that are at our fingertips. And, of course, the ‘Irish Mammy’ is right up there at the top – second only to people’s other halves – as the person who people speak to the most.

“The key with digital technologies is to find the balance that works for you and clearly, the majority are finding the ‘mute’ button as one way to achieve this and get a moment’s peace! At Pure Telecom, we are proud to be able to connect people no matter how they choose to communicate – as and when they want.”

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