New video captures just how emotionally attached we are to our smartphones

A new video has cast a spotlight on our emotional bond with smartphones, exposing just how intertwined we are with our gadgets.

In a recent test participants part in a “connection test,” aimed at gauging their emotional reactions to beloved possessions including their smartphones. Shockingly, the findings revealed that loads of people hold their mobile devices in the same regard as their most prized personal items.

The test coincided with a recent poll by SquareTrade, which found eight out of ten people feel emotionally tied to their phones, with nearly half confessing they “wouldn’t be able to function” in their day-to-day lives without them.

For 44% of those quizzed, their phones aren’t just a means of communication but, crucially, a treasure trove of photos and memories with one in three worried about losing these digital mementos.

Smartphones have evolved beyond mere gadgets and this reliance is mirrored in how we use them. Kevin Gillan, European Managing Director of SquareTrade, said, “they’re our lifelines, holding memories, finances, and personal connections.”

Beyond chatting, 34% use their banking and finance apps most, and 11% lean on their devices as daily planners for sorting calendars and diaries.

Most folks hit “panic mode” within an hour of misplacing their phones. However, this emotional and functional ties to our mobiles come with a downside.

READ MORE: Gen Z’s retirement vision includes robot helpers and VR movie nightsREAD MORE: Daily Star pub quiz: 20 general knowledge questions to get you scratching your head

A third of those surveyed are worried about their phone being nicked, yet 20% have bothered with insurance. What’s more, most people don’t know how to get their data back if their phone is stolen.

Gillan chimed in, “As reliance grows, we must rethink how we safeguard not just the device but the personal data and digital identities within.”

If their device went missing, most respondents would contact their bank first (34%), followed by their mobile operator (27%). But one in five (22%) aren’t sure who to contact, and 43% find insurance policies too confusing and don’t know which ones they should have.

“Smartphones are essential to our daily lives, but this dependence also makes them prime targets for theft and loss, disrupting everything from work to personal security,” Gillian remarked.

“To tackle future challenges, we need affordable insurance solutions that combine hardware recovery with advanced data protection. It’s not just about replacing a phone it’s about providing peace of mind in our digitally connected world.”