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MSE Forum Poll: How often do you use a second device while watching TV?

Former_MSE_Daniel
Former_MSE_Daniel Posts: 159 Forumite
First Post Photogenic
edited 6 November 2025 at 8:57AM in Community Noticeboard
Entertainment! Entertainment everywhere!

We're truly living in the miracle age of consuming content. From our telly faves, blockbuster movies and entire series available to stream on demand. 

But our smaller screens are also fighting for our attention, with constant pings and notifications from friends and from around the world. We're becoming expert multitaskers.

So how often do you watch your TV screen at the same time as using a second screen (phone/tablet/computer)? Vote in this week's poll and let us know your thoughts on TV and scrolling.


MSE Forum Poll: How often do you use a second device while watching TV? 78 votes

Never. If I'm watching TV, it gets my full attention.
11% 9 votes
Very occasionally, but I mainly watch TV
20% 16 votes
Every time there is an ad break, I'm on my second screen
19% 15 votes
All the time! I can absorb what's on the TV and my phone at the same time
37% 29 votes
Who watches actual TV anymore?!
10% 8 votes
Other (let us know in the comments)
1% 1 vote

Comments

  • BridgetTheCat
    BridgetTheCat Posts: 236 Forumite
    100 Posts First Anniversary Photogenic Name Dropper
    I like to keep my hands busy so if I’m not knitting or crocheting then I’ll play something like solitaire on my iPad while watching tv.
  • twopenny
    twopenny Posts: 8,599 Forumite
    Part of the Furniture 1,000 Posts Name Dropper Photogenic
    Exactly the same as Bridgetthecat

    I can rise and shine - just not at the same time!

    viral kindness .....kindness is contageous pass it on

    The only normal people you know are the ones you don’t know very well


  • sammyjammy
    sammyjammy Posts: 8,112 Forumite
    Part of the Furniture 1,000 Posts Name Dropper Photogenic
    same, ADHD trait for me!
    "You've been reading SOS when it's just your clock reading 5:05 "
  • kimwp
    kimwp Posts: 3,492 Forumite
    Sixth Anniversary 1,000 Posts Photogenic Name Dropper
    Supposed to be really bad for dopamine management. (Yes, I do it)
    Statement of Affairs (SOA) link: https://www.lemonfool.co.uk/financecalculators/soa.php

    For free, non-judgemental debt advice, try: Stepchange or National Debtline. Beware fee charging companies with similar names.
  • Vitor
    Vitor Posts: 1,301 Forumite
    1,000 Posts First Anniversary Photogenic Name Dropper
    TV is so dumbed down you can follow what's happening with 10% of your brain
  • Jemma01
    Jemma01 Posts: 547 Forumite
    Fifth Anniversary 500 Posts Photogenic Name Dropper
    No TV at home 
    I'm FTB, not an expert, all my comments are from personal experience and not a professional advice.
    Mortgage debt start date = 11/2024 = 175k (5.19% interest rate, 20 year term)
    • Q4/2024 = 139.3k (5.19% -> 4.94%)
    • Q1/2025 = 125.3k (4.94% -> 4.69%)
    • Q2/2025 = 108.9K(4.69% -> 4.44%)
    • Q3/2025 = 92.2k   (4.44% -> 4.19%)
    • Q4/2025 = 44k      (4.19% -> 3.94%)
    • Q1/2026 = 12.5k  (3.94%)
  • Rusty190
    Rusty190 Posts: 246 Forumite
    Part of the Furniture 100 Posts Name Dropper Combo Breaker
    It's a sign of an excellent TV programme if it can keep my undivided attention throughout the whole broadcast. Once my mind starts wandering, I find myself reaching for a mini screen! 
  • Eco_Miser
    Eco_Miser Posts: 5,026 Forumite
    Part of the Furniture 1,000 Posts Photogenic Name Dropper
    I have my TV and desktop computer screen next to each other.
    Much of the time, I'm just using the computer - when I need to concentrate on what I'm doing.
    Some of the time I'm just watching TV if that required paying proper attention.
    Other times, I multi-task when I can switch attention as required, such as reading MSE forum and watching a show with boring sections.  Nearly all TV use is watching shows recorded earlier on a Tivo box.
    Eco Miser
    Saving money for well over half a century
  • pollypenny
    pollypenny Posts: 29,442 Forumite
    Part of the Furniture 10,000 Posts Name Dropper Photogenic
    I used to knit, can't do that now, so I might have a jigsaw on the go. 
    Member #14 of SKI-ers club

    Words, words, they're all we have to go by!.

    (Pity they are mangled by this autocorrect!)
  • ButterCheese
    ButterCheese Posts: 903 Forumite
    Fourth Anniversary 500 Posts Name Dropper
    I used to play games on my phone whilst watching TV, or even browse through shopping sites etc.  But I found it to be a very bad habit and my thumb/wrist started to hurt.  I now make an effort to not pick up my phone whilst watching TV, and have found that I am much more engaged in the TV programme or film.  Unless of course it's rubbish, in which case I'll choose something else.
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