A poll of 2,000 adults found 31% ‘panic’ when the phone rings – especially if it’s from an unknown number or someone they haven’t heard from in a while
One in three Brits ‘despise’ unexpected phone calls and a quarter rarely or never answer them. A survey of 2,000 adults found that 31% ‘panic’ when the phone rings – especially if it’s from an unknown number or someone they haven’t heard from in a while.
As many as 40% prefer to know when someone is going to ring them, and half simply won’t pick up a call that they’re not expecting.
But for anyone planning to ring someone without pre-warning, try doing it in the afternoon as it’s the time people are most likely to actually pick up.
The study was commissioned by Buffalo Trace Distillery ahead of the opening its first store outside of the USA, on 6th May.
The whiskey brand also turned an iconic British phone box green in Covent Garden and challenged passers-by to answer a call from inside, with those who dared to pick up the phone getting an exclusive tasting experience.
Andrew Duncan, global brand director for the brand, said: “It’s clear spontaneity is becoming a lost art form. And we think that’s a shame because many of life’s greatest experiences happen when one commits to living what we like to call perfectly untamed bolder, more daring, and less afraid of the unknown.”
“We believe fortune favours the bold, and picking up the phone has the potential to result in some amazing adventures.”
The research also revealed that nearly 37% of people are less likely to answer an unexpected call now than they were five years ago.
Interestingly, while 30% of men prefer to plan everything in their lives and could never do something spontaneously, only 23% of women felt the same. In contrast, 72% of women are more likely to pick up a call from an unknown number, compared to 57% of men.
Furthermore, 12% admitted it’s been a week or longer since they last spoke to someone on the phone with some not even remembering the last time. Instead, 26% prefer to communicate via social media rather than using their voice on a phone line.
However, the study, conducted by OnePoll, found that 23% of those who have answered a call they weren’t expecting revealed it led to something surprisingly good.
Andrew Duncan commented: “As communication moves more online, it’s natural to feel less comfortable with picking up the phone when it rings, but there really is no substitute for tangible moments of connection with others.”
“We wanted to remind people that sometimes, the unexpected call can lead to simple but important delights, like spending quality time with friends and family.”
“Unexpected moments shared over a glass of whiskey are, unsurprisingly, some of our favourites.”