Generation Klutz! Gen Zers put their phones in peril 187 times a year

NEW YORK — How many times do you almost drop your phone in a typical day? According to a new survey, the average person experiences about 140 moments of “phone peril” a year, including almost dropping or cracking their phone.

Based on a panel of 2,000 U.S. adults, divided evenly among Generation Z (ages 18–26), millennials (27–42), Generation X (43–58), and baby boomers (59–77), results found Gen Z to be the clumsiest generation, averaging 187 “close calls” annually. Although the average person has owned their phone for only 2.2 years, a whopping 69 percent are using a phone that’s partly broken — including 79 percent of Gen Z.

The most common issues people’s phones currently have include a cracked or scratched screen (24%), followed by battery problems (21%) and overheating (15%).

Conducted by OnePoll on behalf of tech care company Asurion, the survey also found nearly a third feel they can go without their phones for the entire summer. For all the talk about younger generations and their phones, however, just 27 percent of boomers would be willing to spend the summer without their devices — fewer than any other age group. Just 18 percent of boomers would visit a resort without their phone in hand.

From taking photos to checking the weather, people’s phones are an extension of their lives. Half (49%) “always” use their phone to listen to music, so it’s no wonder they would go to great lengths to keep their tunes going.

“From work to leisure, our phones are rarely out of arm’s reach,” says Marvin Maldonado, an Asurion Tech Expert, in a statement. “Whether you’re hitting the beach, the pool or the trails this summer, you likely have your phone in tow for music, photos, maps and more. While a lot of today’s phones are water resistant, no phone is fully waterproof – and a cracked phone is even more vulnerable to liquid damage. If your phone is broken, get it fixed before hitting the water, and remember to always back up your data – just in case.”

Overall, more than half the poll (57%) plans to visit a beach this summer, with a similar amount (60%) usually taking photos or videos there. Nearly half (47%) believe the summer isn’t perfect if there are no pictures to capture it. While family (73%) and favorite food and beverages (61%) topped people’s summer essentials, smartphones weren’t far behind.

“If you’re someone who relies on a sandwich baggy to protect your phone – or if you’re one of the bold few who go totally caseless – you might consider grabbing a waterproof phone pouch and a tempered glass screen protector this summer,” Maldonado adds. “Depending on your travel plans and your phone’s value, you might also consider phone insurance for added peace of mind.”

The Math:

2.7 moments of “phone peril” a week x 52 weeks = 140.4 incidents a year
3.6 moments of “phone peril” among Gen Z a week x 52 weeks = 187.2 incidents a year

Survey methodology:

This random double-opt-in survey of 2,000 U.S. adults split evenly by generation (500 Gen Z, 500 millennials, 500 Gen X, 500 boomers) was commissioned by Asurion between June 20 and June 22, 2023. It was conducted by market research company OnePoll, whose team members are members of the Market Research Society and have corporate membership to the American Association for Public Opinion Research (AAPOR) and the European Society for Opinion and Marketing Research (ESOMAR).