How Screen Time Affects Intimacy

There's nothing wrong with a little scroll every now and again... but excessive phone use could be getting in the way of intimacy.

Our latest report finds that Gen Zs average 5 hours and 35 minutes of screen time per day. Meanwhile, phone use is the biggest cause of arguments for 12% of couples, showing that we're not entirely comfortable with the way phones impact our relationships.

Here, you'll find the latest data on phone use and relationships – including which generation is most likely to use their phone during sex! You'll also get the chance to win an intimate digital detox for you and your partner, courtesy of Shacks, a luxury off-grid holiday provider.

Finally, sex and relationships expert Annabelle Knight offers her tips for couples who want to reduce screen time and focus on intimacy.

It could be time for you to escape to the wild, breathe in the fresh air, and find sensual ways to reconnect with your partner – zero distractions. We've teamed up with Shacks to give you the chance to win:

• A two-night stay in an off-grid luxury cabin; either Polaris in Cheshire or Mizar in Staffordshire
• Complimentary 1-hour couples yoga session
• Complimentary 1-hour couples sauna
• Lovehoney Intimacy Box

Runners up will win a three hour off-grid sauna experience a Lovehoney Game On Couples Mega Fun Sex Toy Kit so you can enjoy a detox before getting intimate at home.

To enter, all you need to do is fill out the form below, opting in to Lovehoney and Shacks’ newsletters. T&Cs are available here.

And even if you don't win, you can get 15% off a luxury digital detox stay using the discount code LOVEHONEY15 – and for a limited time only, you can add a Lovehoney Intimacy Box to your stay, totally free of charge!

Being on your phone constantly might get in the way of your sex life – with 35% of people saying that being on their phone affects their willingness to be intimate with a partner. That figure goes up to 46% for Millennials.

“Phones have quietly become the third wheel in so many relationships,” says Annabelle Knight. “When we’re constantly connected to our screens, we disconnect from each other - we stop noticing those small, intimate moments that build closeness.”

What’s more, for 18% of Millennials and 18% of Gen Z who are in a relationship, phone use is the biggest cause of arguments between them and their partner(s). Phones may help us stay connected with the wider world, but it’s clear they’re not supporting the relationships we have right in front of us.

“Whether it’s scrolling in bed or replying to messages mid-conversation, these habits chip away at real connection,” Annabelle adds. “It’s no wonder Brits say it’s a turn-off when their partner is glued to their phone!”

According to our survey, the average daily screen time for people in the UK is 4 hours and 6 minutes, although this number is higher among Gen Z (5 hours 35 minutes) and Millennials (5 hours 7 minutes).

As you might expect, there are certain scenarios where it’s pretty common to use your phone, like when you’re on public transport (89%) or while watching TV (87%). However, more than half of respondents (54%) admitted to using their phone while having dinner and, in even more surprising news, 10% of people said they were likely to do so during sex.

Whether that’s to check the latest football scores, message a friend, or do some retail therapy, we don’t know. What we do know is that this is most common among Gen Z (18%) and Millennials (18%).

Long gone are the days of the seductive post-sex cigarette of 1900s French cinema, as it turns out that a quarter of people (25%) are reaching for their phone straight after getting intimate.

This habit might seem harmless, but it gets in the way of your post-sex aftercare – such as having a cuddle and debriefing about which moments you really enjoyed.

Phone time in the bedroom isn’t just limited to sex, with more than two thirds of the country (68%) admitting to checking their phone in bed before they go to sleep, while 67% will do so as soon as they wake up.

Perhaps even more concerning is the 70% of people that will use their phone in the morning before even speaking to another soul; less morning glory, more morning Instagram story.

Multiple studies have shown that using your phone in bed before you turn in for the night can not only make it harder for you to fall asleep in the first place, but also affect your quality of sleep.

That’s because using your phone before bedtime activates your brain, while the blue light from your screen suppresses your body’s production of melatonin, which is the hormone that helps regulate your sleep-wake cycle.

Together, this might make it harder for you to switch off and fall asleep. And poor sleep makes it harder to show up in all aspects of your life – including your relationship.

“True intimacy starts when the screens go dark – when we slow down, tune in, and give each other our full attention,” Annabelle reminds us. If you’re ready to switch off and reconnect with your partner, try Annabelle’s simple, practical tips:

1. Set aside dedicated phone-free time

We know using our phones in bed can be disruptive to our sleep, so why not agree to leave yours downstairs every night at a certain time? That way you can wind down, get ready for bed, and debrief on your day without distractions.

If that doesn’t work for you, pick one night a week where you agree not to check your phones while you spend time together. “An evening without screens can help couples focus entirely on each other,” says Annabelle.

Or you could choose a whole weekend to go off-grid! With Shacks, you can get 15% off an off-grid stay in a luxury cabin (just use the code LOVEHONEY15 at checkout). That way, you can get away from all of life's stresses and distractions, step into the wild, and focus on each other.

2. Share a sensory experience

With your phones set aside – on ‘do not disturb’ or switched off entirely – think about how you want to spend your time together. TV can be a great way to unwind, but breaking out of your routine might help you connect more.

For example, sensory experiences like a sensual massage using scented oils and a wand vibrator can feel really intimate and relaxing. “Use touch, scent, and sight to heighten awareness of your partner and the environment,” Annabelle recommends.

For a limited time only, you can add a free Lovehoney Intimacy Box to your Shacks getaway, designed to guide you through sensual shared pleasure. For a more PG experience, you could do face masks together instead, finished by gently massaging a moisturising lotion int your partner's face.

Which ever you choose, focus on how each moment feels and communicate what kinds of touch you like best.

3. Explore play and challenges together

Finally, it's time to plan an adventure. Whether you go for a wild swim (who can handle the cold better?) or pick out a board game to tackle together, playfulness and healthy competition can bring back your spark. You could also take turns to plan a monthly hike or get in the kitchen with a new recipe.

“Interactive games or gentle challenges can break routines and create shared fun,” says Annabelle. Plus, when you’re fully engaged in a shared activity, there’s even less chance of getting distracted by your phones. Win win!

Statistics mentioned on this page are sourced via our original research:

• Survey of 2,000 UK nationally representative respondents (18+) including 1,248 respondents who are in a relationship [Lovehoney, Censuswide (October 2025)].
• Survey of 2,022 UK nationally representative consumers (18+) [Lovehoney, Cint (January 2025)]